Apple designing airport networks 用户手册

下载
页码 82
76
Chapter 6
    Behind the Scenes
 
So your computer also has an IP (Internet Protocol) address that defines exactly where 
and in what network it’s located. IP addresses ensure that your local Ethernet network 
only receives the traffic intended for it. Like the hierarchical system used to define zip 
codes, street names, and street numbers, IP addresses are created according to a set of 
rules, and their assignment is carefully administered.
The hardware address is like your name; it uniquely and permanently identifies you. But 
it doesn’t offer any clues about your location, so it’s only helpful in a local setting. An IP 
address is like your street address, which contains the information that helps letters 
and packages find your house. 
Rules for Sending Information (Protocols)
A protocol is a set of rules that define how communication takes place. For instance, a 
networking protocol may define how information is formatted and addressed, just as 
there’s a standard way to address an envelope when you send a letter.
Important Networking Devices
Bridges
A bridge joins two networks at the hardware level. Other protocols see the two 
networks as the same.
Routers
A router connects two IP networks. In contrast to a bridge, which joins networks at the 
hardware level, a router directs network IP traffic based on information stored in its 
routing tables. A routing table matches IP addresses with hardware addresses. The 
router stamps each incoming IP packet with the hardware address that corresponds to 
that IP address. As a result, the packet can be picked up by the right computer on the 
hardware network. 
DNS (Domain Name Server)
Networks (domains) on the Internet have names that correspond to their IP addresses. 
A Domain Name Server maintains a list of domain names and their corresponding 
addresses. That is why you can go to the Apple website by typing www.apple.com 
instead of the IP address.
LL0214.book  Page 76  Monday, October 25, 2004  4:06 PM