HP 310X - Manual (Page 27)

no added reliability or guarantee of delivery. UDP is used when
acknowledgment and reliability are not required, such as during a
“discovery broadcast.”
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
device boots up (see
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) ).
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.
Network Portion
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.
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.
Subnets
When an IP network address for a particular network class is assigned
to an organization, no provision is made for more than one network
being present at that location. Local network administrators use
subnets to partition a network into several different subnetworks.
Splitting a network into subnets can result in better performance and
improved use of limited network address space.
Subnet Mask
The subnet mask is a mechanism used to divide a single IP network
into several different subnetworks. A subnet mask is applied to each
IP address to specify the portion used for subnetworks, and the portion
used to identify the node.