Connecting Bandwidth
Layer 3 of the OSI
Also called the network layer.
"The Network layer addresses messages and translates logical addresses and names into physical addresses. It also determines the route from the source to the destination computer and manages traffic problems, such as switching, routing, and controlling the congestion of data packets." - OSI MODEL
What is a Router?
Lets begin with the description of a router. A router is basically a piece of hardware that forwards data packets across a network toward their destinations. As with any device that handles data, there has to be a security feature. Most Routers include a built-in firewall that you can access from a regular browser by entering the ip address of your router. Routing occurs at layer 3 (the Network layer e.g. IP) of the OSI seven-layer protocol stack." Wikipedia: Router
Where do the addresses come from?
- They're dealt like cards from a server
o Server: Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
- Or they're permanently assigned to your computer.
o Static Addressing
- DSL/Cable Gotchas
o ISP assigns 1 IP address
o Router use this one address to serve an entire LAN
+ Network Address Translation