Understanding

Network Addressing
Welcome to this presentation on network addressing! In this session, we'll explore the fundamental
concepts behind how devices communicate within networks and across the internet. We will delve into
various types of addresses, from physical MAC addresses to logical IPv4 and IPv6 addresses, and discuss
their roles in enabling seamless data transfer. We'll also cover important concepts like subnetting, private
and public IP addresses, loopback addresses, and link-local addresses. Finally, we'll touch upon router
configuration and routing protocols that make the internet work.
Physical Address: The MAC Address
What is it? Purpose Format

A Media Access Control (MAC) MAC addresses are used for MAC addresses are typically
address is a unique identifier communication within a local represented as a 12-digit
assigned to a network interface network segment. When a device hexadecimal number (e.g.,
controller (NIC). It's a hardware wants to send data to another 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E). The first six
address, meaning it's burned into device on the same network, it uses digits identify the manufacturer of
the device at the factory. the destination device's MAC the NIC, while the last six digits are
address. unique to that specific device.

The MAC address is essential for identifying devices within a local network. It operates at the data link layer (Layer 2) of
the OSI model.
IPv4 Addressing: Structure and Subnetting
IPv4 Address Format Subnetting Variable Length
Subnet Mask (VLSM)
An IPv4 address is a 32-bit Subnetting is the process of
numeric address written as four dividing a single IP network into VLSM allows you to use different
numbers separated by periods two or more smaller networks subnet masks on the same
(e.g., 192.168.1.1). Each number (subnets). This allows for more network, providing even greater
can range from 0 to 255. efficient use of IP addresses and flexibility in IP address allocation.
improved network management. It helps minimize IP address
wastage.

Subnetting enhances network efficiency by breaking down large networks into smaller, manageable segments, while
VLSM optimizes address allocation by accommodating varying subnet sizes.
 IPv6 Addressing: The Next
Generation
1 Vast Address Space 2 Simplified Header
IPv6 addresses are 128-bit, providing a The IPv6 header is simplified compared to
significantly larger address space compared to IPv4, making routing more efficient. Some
IPv4. This eliminates the need for Network fields have been removed or made optional.
Address Translation (NAT) in many scenarios.
2

3 Autoconfiguration

IPv6 supports stateless autoconfiguration, where devices can automatically configure themselves without the need for a
DHCP server. This simplifies network administration.

IPv6 is designed to replace IPv4, offering a larger address space, improved efficiency, and enhanced security features.
Its autoconfiguration simplifies network management.
Private vs. Public IP Addresses
NAT
Private IP Addresses
Network Address Translation (NAT) is used to translate
Private IP addresses are used for internal communication private IP addresses to a single public IP address, allowing
within a private network, such as a home or office network. multiple devices on a private network to share a single
These addresses are not routable on the internet. internet connection. This is a crucial aspect of network
security.

1 2 3

Public IP Addresses
Public IP addresses are used for communication on the
internet. These addresses are globally unique and are
assigned to devices by Internet Service Providers (ISPs).

Private IP addresses enable secure internal communication, while public IP addresses facilitate internet connectivity. NAT bridges
the gap between these two types of addresses.
Special IP Addresses: Loopback and Link-Local

Loopback Address Link-Local Address

The loopback address (127.0.0.1 for IPv4, ::1 for IPv6) is used Link-local addresses (169.254.0.0/16 for IPv4, FE80::/10 for
for testing network configurations on a local machine. Data IPv6) are used for communication within a single network
sent to this address is looped back to the sending device segment when no other IP address is available. They do not
without traversing the network. require a DHCP server.

Loopback addresses aid in local testing, while link-local addresses enable communication within a local network segment without
external configuration.
 Router Configuration:
Connecting Networks
Router Basics

Routers are devices that forward data packets between different networks. They
examine the destination IP address of each packet and determine the best path
to forward it.

Routing Tables
Routers maintain routing tables that contain information about the network
topology. These tables are used to make forwarding decisions based on
destination IP addresses.

Routing Protocols
Routing protocols, such as RIP, OSPF, and BGP, are used to dynamically update
routing tables. These protocols allow routers to learn about network changes and
adjust their routing decisions accordingly. Routing protocols ensure data reaches
its destination efficiently.

Routers and their configurations are fundamental to connecting multiple networks, and routing
protocols enable dynamic adaptation to network changes.
Key Takeaways and
Next Steps
Today, we covered a lot about network addressing! We started with Physical addresses, then explored
different types of IP addresses and the vital role of routers in forwarding data across networks. As next
steps:

• Review each of the address types (MAC, IPv4, IPv6, Private, Public, Loopback and Link Local).

• Consider experimenting with subnetting and router configurations in a virtualized environment to

reinforce your understanding.

Understanding these concepts is crucial for anyone involved in network administration,

cybersecurity, or software development. Continue exploring these topics to build a solid foundation
in networking!