The Addressing Labyrinth

Welcome back, addressing explorer! 🧭

Our packet has traveled far and wide, but now we must understand the complex system that makes it all possible: IP addressing. This is the foundation of how devices find each other on the network.

In this chapter, we’ll explore:

  • IPv4 vs IPv6 addressing
  • CIDR notation and subnetting
  • Public vs private IP addresses
  • IP address allocation and management
What is the primary reason for the development of IPv6?

IPv4 vs IPv6: The Address Evolution

The internet has two main addressing systems:

IPv4:

  • 32-bit addresses (4.3 billion possible)
  • Dotted decimal notation (e.g., 192.168.1.1)
  • Running out of available addresses

IPv6:

  • 128-bit addresses (340 undecillion possible)
  • Hexadecimal notation (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3::8a2e:0370:7334)
  • Built-in security features
Which of the following are true about IPv6?

CIDR Notation: The Address Shortcut

CIDR (Classless Inter-Domain Routing) is like a shorthand for IP addresses:

  • Combines IP address with subnet mask
  • Example: 192.168.1.0/24
  • Allows for flexible subnetting
  • More efficient use of IP addresses
What does CIDR stand for in networking? (Type the full phrase)

Public vs Private IPs: The Address Divide

IP addresses come in two main types:

Public IPs:

  • Globally unique
  • Used on the internet
  • Assigned by ISPs
  • Can be static or dynamic

Private IPs:

  • Used within local networks
  • Not routable on the internet
  • Defined ranges (e.g., 192.168.x.x)
  • NAT translates between public and private

IP Address Allocation: The Address Registry

IP addresses are managed by:

  • IANA (Internet Assigned Numbers Authority)
  • Regional Internet Registries (RIRs)
  • ISPs allocate to end users
  • IPv6 adoption is increasing
Which organization is responsible for global IP address allocation?

Next Steps in Our Journey

Now that we’ve navigated the IP address maze, in the next chapter we’ll explore the future of networking. We’ll learn about:

  • Software Defined Networking (SDN)
  • Network Function Virtualization (NFV)
  • 5G and beyond
  • Network automation

Until then, keep addressing! Remember, every device has its place in the network.

End of Chapter