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IP in Practice: Classless Addressing & Subnetting

 In the previous posts, we looked at what an IPv4 address is and how it is used.  Subnetting builds on that foundation and plays a major role in IP addressing, but many learners find it challenging at first.I was in the same boat at first. Now, it is a breeze. What has helped me, and how can you fly through subnetting? In this post, we will specifically focus on how classless addressing and variable length subnet masking is implemented within networks. If you would like to learn more about subnetting or need a refresher, see my other posts Subnets: Key to Network Organization   and Subnetting Tips .    Classful vs Classless What's the difference between these two addressing schemes? Let me ask you this: Have you ever tried on clothes and never could find the right size? It is too big or too small. The store doesn't have your size. What if you can get it tailor-made just for you?  Now imagine you could design a subnet the same way you design a custom sh...

IP in Practice: Public and Private IP Addresses

Do you speak another language? Personally, I love learning new languages, but one of the hardest parts is translation. When it comes to networking, it is something similar. Devices within our home and office networks do not directly go to the internet. There needs to be a "translator". What does this have to do with public and private IPv4 addresses? In this post, we will explore: IPv4 Addresses Private Ranges  The difference and teamwork between NAT and PAT Helpful troubleshooting commands such as ipconfig or ping A demo that puts it altogether.  (Link to topology here .) By the end of this post, you will see how public and private IP addresses work together in action.  IPv4 Address Private Ranges RFC1918 Private IP Address Ranges Class IANA Blocks Range Total Addresses A 10.0.0.0/8 10.0.0.0 - 10.255.255.255 16.7 million (16,777,216) ...

IP in Practice: IPv4 Address Structure & Classes

There are two main types of IP addresses: IPv4 and IPv6. Many of us are familiar with the first option. The first post in this series included an interactive section where you could test IP addresses. Stay tuned for IPv6. The numbers may seem random, but did you know your IP address matters? It matters for our privacy and could also matter to external actors if they can gain access to our systems. I, however, am talking about what it could reveal. Is your IP address private or public? How much does that affect the number of IP addresses that can be on a network? How are IP addresses organized into classes? In this post, I'll focus on answering each of these questions. Structure of an IPv4 Address Follows a dotted-decimal notation Has four octets Each octet has a value between 0 and 255, made up of 8 bits Has a total length of 32 bits in binary form What are I...

IP in Practice: IP Addressing Basics

Whenever you order at a fast-food restaurant, the cashier may give you a number or ask for the name on your order. When your order is ready, they will call your number or name so the correct person receives it. Similarly, devices on a network are assigned a unique number so information reaches its intended destination. This number is called an IP address. . . . Check Full IP IP Addresses are Unique Identifiers Every device on a network has an IP address that allows it to communicate with other devices. These addresses are unique within a network to ensure data reaches its intended destination. Imagine if two people had the same order number—there would be confusion about who ordered what. Similarly, without these identifiers, devices would not know where to send or receive data. Purposes of IP Addresses IP addresses serve several purposes, including: Routing: IP addresses operate at layer 3 of the TCP/IP or OSI model, also kno...

New Series: IP in Practice

I have done a few posts on subnetting and the inner workings of DHCP. I wanted to do a post on IPv6 and a hands-on demo on implementing DHCP on actual networking equipment. However, I missed a few parts that I would like to cover that would particularly help in understanding how IP works and why it is needed. Unlike the previous series, this will be a direct approach to a certain protocol: Internet Protocol (IP). I recently started my first series, covering important ports, protocols, and acronyms used in the networking field. However, I realized not only is it difficult to address the ones to mention, but for some letters it's hard to find. The intended structure was to have several per letter not just one. The idea seemed fun and engaging, however, doing over 20 posts alphabetically on acronyms, ports, and protocols lacks order and deviates from the direct approach I want this blog to have. For that reason, I am putting it on hold indefinitely. It was fun at first, but it was not...

A-Z Protocols: A is for Access

This series is especially for those studying for certifications , IT beginners , or anyone curious about how networking actually works. Welcome to the A–Z Protocols Series Whether related to legacy systems or cutting-edge technology , these posts will discuss some of the most pivotal protocols, ports, and acronyms used in the IT field. There's no better place to begin than at the start: the letter A. The acronyms chosen in this and future blog posts were generated from ChatGPT and certification guides, but I would love to include your input in what to discuss. A is for Access The following protocols discussed have some relation to how we access our networks, information, and other resources that keep us online. Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) - The Network Phonebook Imagine you are at a party, and you meet someone new. Let's say their name is Ben. You exchange numbers and you both make sure to save each other's contact info. Ben gives you his number: +1 (456)-1...