
Figure 1.5 UNIX ifconfig Output
IP Address Allocation
When you are creating a network, deciding on IP address allocation is very impor-
tant. But with billions of options, how does one decide? The Internet Assigned
Numbers Authority, or IANA, is responsible for allocating IP addresses.They deter-
mine which organizations get which IP address ranges.They are also responsible for
conserving IP addresses and planning for future uses for IP addresses. Does this mean
that you need to contact them to get IP addresses? Unless you are starting your own
Internet Service Provider (ISP) the size of Qwest or SBC, you do not need to con-
tact them.Your ISP will alw ...