Chapter 4. Getting Started
In this chapter, our emphasis shifts from how TCP/IP functions to how it is configured. While Chapters Chapter 1 through Chapter 3 described the TCP/IP protocols and how they work, now we begin to explore the network configuration process. The first step in this process is planning. Before configuring a host to run TCP/IP, you must have certain information. At the very least, every host must have a unique IP address and hostname. You should also resolve the following issues before configuring a system:
- Default gateway address
If the system communicates with TCP/IP hosts that are not on its local network, a default gateway address may be needed. Alternatively, if a routing protocol is used on the network, each device needs to know that protocol.
- Name server addresses
To resolve hostnames into IP addresses, each host needs to know the addresses of the domain name servers.
- Domain name
Hosts using the domain name system must know their correct domain name.
- Subnet mask
To communicate properly, each system on a network must use the same subnet mask.
If you’re adding a system to an existing network, make sure you find out the answers from your network administrator before putting the system online. The network administrator is responsible for making and communicating decisions about overall network configuration. If you have an established TCP/IP network, you can skip several sections in this chapter, but you may still want to read about selecting hostnames, planning ...
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