Sonic Blue 4500 - Manual (Page 67)

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MAC Address (Media Access Control) - The unique hardware number of devices on a network. Some ISPs require the MAC
address of a network device in order to automatically assign it an IP address.
Router - In order for you computer to communicate to the Internet using a broadband connection, it not only requires a physical
connection but also an IP address. The router not only lets you share a physical connection (like a hub or switch), it also lets you
share a single Internet IP address with more than one computer or device. Instead of needing three IP addresses for three computers
in your home, you can purchase one for the router and the router will allow all three computers in your home to share your Cable,
DSL, ISDN, or Satellite connection. Some routers allow you to share a modem connection in this way. If you purchase a single port
router, you will also need a hub or switch to connect more than one device to the router. If connecting a PC or ReplayTV directly to
a single port router, you must use a crossover cable.
If you have PPPoE DSL (requires that you use software to login for Internet access), you need to verify that any router you purchase
also supports PPPoE.
Subnet Mask - This address is a filter that determines what part of the network your computer or ReplayTV is on. For example,
many routers use 192.168.0.1 for an IP address and 255.255.255.0 for a subnet mask. Any computers or devices on your local net-
work that has an IP address that matches 192.168.0.x will be able to communicate with each other.
Switch - If you have a mix of 10 and 100Mbps devices or computers on your network, upgrading from a hub to a switch can greatly
improve performance. Also, if you have many devices on your network, the switch will give you better performance than the hub.