TCP/IP Addressing and Subnetting Basics

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the fundamental components of TCP/IP networking, including IP address structures, subnetting purposes, and configuration requirements for Windows clients.

IP address

A $32$-bit number that uniquely identifies a host (computer or other device, such as a printer or router) on a TCP/IP network.

Subnet mask

Used to divide an IP address into two parts: one part identifies the host (computer), the other part identifies the network to which it belongs.

Default gateway

One of the three required configuration settings when setting up TCP/IP on a Windows computer, alongside an IP address and a subnet mask.

Dotted-decimal format

The notation used to express IP addresses as four numbers separated by periods, such as $192.168.123.132$.

Network Classes

Arbitrarily defined groups, categorized into $3$ main classes (along with a few others) that have predefined sizes and can be divided into smaller subnetworks.

Host

Any computer or other device, such as a printer or router, located on a TCP/IP network.

Binary notation

The base-$2$ format examined to understand how subnet masks are used to distinguish between hosts, networks, and subnetworks.

KB number: 164015

The original Microsoft Knowledge Base identifier for the article on understanding TCP/IP addressing and subnetting basics.