🗺️ SOHO Router: Network Layer (L3) Functions Flashcards (1.3.4)

SOHO Router L3 Primary Function

To make forwarding decisions (routing) between the local private network and the public Internet based on IP addresses

Addressing Distinction (LAN vs. WAN)

LAN: Uses a private IP address range (e.g., 192.168.1.0/24). WAN: Uses a public IP address allocated by the ISP.

SOHO Router's Role in DHCP

Runs a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server to allocate a unique private IP address to every host that connects to the LAN (cabled or wireless).

IP Address Range for LAN Clients

Addresses use the same first three octets as the router (e.g., 192.168.1.x), with the last octet being any value from 1 to 254 (excluding the router's own address).

SOHO Router's Forwarding Action

If a local host tries to access an address outside the private range, the router forwards the packet over its WAN interface and directs the reply back to the host.

WAN IP Address Source

Allocated by the Internet Service Provider (ISP); often dynamically using DHCP, but sometimes statically.

PDU at the Network Layer

Packet/Datagram.