IP Routing Protocols

Appendix B. Names, Addresses, Subnetting, Address Masks, and Prefixes

A newcomer to data networks is often perplexed when the subject of naming and addressing arises. Addresses in data networks are similar to postal addresses and telephone numbering schemes. Indeed, many of the networks that exist today have derived some of their addressing structures from the concepts of the telephone numbering plan.

It should prove useful to clarify the meaning of names, addresses, and routes. And Table B-1 provides a summary of these ideas. A name is an identification of an entity (independent of its physical location), such as a person, an applications program, or even a computer. An address is also an identification but it reveals additional information ...