Subnet Mask, MAC, DHCP & DNS and WLAN & WPAN Networks

What is Subnet Mask?

A subnet mask is a 32-bit number that segments an existing IP address in a TCP/IP network. It is used by the TCP/IP protocol to determine whether a host is on the local subnet or on a remote network. Subnet mask divides the IP address into a network address and host address, hence to identify which part of IP address is reserved for the network and which part is available for host use.

MAC Address

The Media Access Control (MAC) address is just as important as the IP address. The MAC address is a unique value associated with the network adapter (NIC). MAC addresses are known as the hardware addresses or physical addresses. They uniquely identify the adapter on the LAN.

DHCP

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) 

From 1993

An extension of BOOTP, very similar to DHCP

Same port numbers as BOOTP 

Extensions:

Supports temporary allocation (“leases”) of IP addresses

DHCP client can acquire all IP configuration parameters needed to operate

DHCP is the preferred mechanism for dynamic assignment of IP addresses

DHCP can interoperate with BOOTP clients.

APIPA

APIPA stands for Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA). It is a feature or characteristic in operating systems (eg. Windows) which enables computers to self-configure an IP address and subnet mask automatically when their DHCP(Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server isn't reachable

DNS

DNS stands for Domain Name System. DNS is a service that translates the domain name into IP addresses. This allows the users of networks to utilize user-friendly names when looking for other hosts instead of remembering the IP addresses.

WLAN & WPAN Networks

WLAN

A wireless LAN is a wireless computer network that links two or more devices using wireless communication to form a local area network within a limited area such as a home, school, computer laboratory, campus, or office building.

Wi-Fi

What is Wi-Fi

Short for “Wireless Fidelity”

A trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance

The brand name for products using the IEEE 802.11 family of standards

Commonly used for “wireless local area network” (WLAN)

WPAN

A personal area network is a computer network for interconnecting electronic devices within an individual person's workspace. A WPAN provides data transmission among devices such as computers, smartphones, tablets and personal digital assistants.

Bluetooth

Wireless Personal Area Networks (WPAN)

Design goal

Cable replacement

Low cost

Low power

Small size

For mobile devices