An important part of any network communication is addressing. Addressing is a means of identifying a device on a network. Previously, we discussed identifying devices on a network through the use of hostnames, IP addresses, and MAC addresses. Without addressing, how would the data know who it was intended for? And how could it be routed to the destination?
In this chapter, we will discuss IPv4 addresses. Although these are slowly being replaced by IPv6 addresses, this process is being carried out at a glacial pace. IPv4 will still be around for a long time to come. Understanding IPv4 addressing is one of the most important aspects of any networking role, and it is imperative that you are comfortable with it.
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