HP LaserJet 3055 - Manual (Page 202)

IP address
Every host (workstation or node) on an IP network requires a unique IP address for each network
interface. This address is a software address that is used to identify both the network and specific
hosts located on that network. Each IP address can be divided into two separate parts: the network
portion and the host portion. It is possible for a host to query a server for a dynamic IP address each
time the all-in-one boots up (for example, using DHCP and BOOTP).
NOTE When assigning IP addresses, always consult the IP address administrator. Setting
the wrong address can disable other equipment operating on the network or interfere with
communications.
IP address: network portion
Network addresses are managed by an organization in Norfolk, Virginia, recognized as InterNIC.
InterNIC has been contracted by the National Science Foundation to manage the Internet addresses
and domains. Network addresses are distributed to organizations that are in turn responsible for
making sure all attached devices or hosts on the network are properly numbered. For more
information about the network portion of an IP address, see
IP address structure and class and
Subnets in this section.
IP address: host portion
Host addresses numerically identify specific network interfaces on an IP network. Usually a host has
only one network interface; thus, only one IP address. Because no two devices can share the same
number at the same time, administrators typically maintain address tables to assure correct
assignment of addresses in the host network.
IP address structure and class
An IP address is comprised of 32 bits of information and divided into 4 sections containing 1 byte
each section or 4 bytes total:
xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx
For efficiency in routing, networks were broken down into three classes, so routing can begin simply
by identifying the leading byte of information in the IP address. The three IP addresses that InterNIC
assigns are class A, B, and C. The network class determines what each of the four IP address
sections identify as shown below:
Table 9-7 IP address class format
Class First Address Byte
xxx. Second Address
Byte xxx. Third Address Byte
xxx. Fourth Address Byte
xxx
A Network. Host. Host. Host.
B Network. Network. Host. Host.
C Network. Network. Network. Host.
As illustrated in Table 9-8 Network class characteristics , each network class differs by the leading bit
identifier, the address range, the number of each type available, and the maximum number of hosts
each class allows.
184 Chapter 9 Networking ENWW