Netopia Router PN Series - Manual (Page 237)

B-1
Appendix B
Understanding IP Addressing
This appendix is a brief general introduction to IP addressing. A
basic understanding of IP will help you in configuring the Netopia
Router and using some of its power ful features, such as static
routes and packet filtering.
In packets, a header is part of the envelope information that
surrounds the actual data being transmitted. In e-mail, a header is
usually the address and routing information found at the top of
messages.
What is IP?
All networks use protocols to establish common standards for
communication. One widely used network protocol is the Internet
Protocol, also known as IP. Like many other protocols, IP uses
packets, or formatted chunks of data, to communicate.
Note: This guide uses the term “IP” in a very general and inclusive
way, to identify all of the following:
■ Networks that use the Internet Protocol, along with
accompanying protocols such as TCP, UDP, and ICMP
■ Packets that include an IP header within their structure
■ Devices that send IP packets