Networking Explained, 2nd Edition

Chapter 1: Fundamental Concepts of Computer Networks and Networking 5

or devices to locate them. It is similar to a house’s street address—knowing the street

helps to find where you want to go, but having the house number means you will eventu-

ally find the exact location of your destination. Another analogy is the phone system you

use all the time. Each phone (a node) has an area code and a number (an address). The area

code provides information about the node’s location within the global telephone network,

and the telephone number is the device’s specific identification number within that locale.

Systems and call “routers” at the phone company are programmed ...