Network Addressing and Routing are fundamental concepts in networking that enable data packets to travel from source to destination across networks. Network Addressing provides unique identifiers for devices on a network. The most common addressing schemes include: 1. IPv4: Uses 32-bit addresses (e.g., 192.168.1.1) divided into network and host portions by subnet masks. With limited address space, IPv4 employs techniques like CIDR (Classless Inter-Domain Routing) and NAT (Network Address Translation) to extend usability. 2. IPv6: Uses 128-bit addresses (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334) to accommodate more devices, offering simpler configuration and improved security features. 3. MAC Addresses: 48-bit hardware addresses (e.g., 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E) permanently assigned to network interfaces, used for communication within the same network segment. Routing is the process of forwarding data packets between networks to reach their final destination. Key routing concepts include: 1. Routing Tables: Databases storing network paths that routers consult to determine the next hop for packets. 2. Routing Protocols: Methods for routers to exchange network information, including: - Distance Vector protocols (RIP, EIGRP) which share information about distance to destinations - Link State protocols (OSPF, IS-IS) which build comprehensive network topology maps - Path Vector protocols (BGP) used primarily for Internet backbone routing 3. Default Gateway: The router interface that devices use to send packets destined for other networks. 4. Static vs. Dynamic Routing: Static routes are manually configured; dynamic routes are learned through routing protocols. Metrics like hop count, bandwidth, delay, and reliability determine optimal paths. Routing algorithms use these metrics to calculate the most efficient routes, adapting to network changes and failures through convergence processes.

Network Addressing and Routing are fundamental concepts in networking that enable data packets to travel from source to destination across networks. Network Addressing provides unique identifiers fo…

Concepts covered: NAT (Network Address Translation), Address Resolution Protocol (ARP), Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), Routing, CIDR (Classless Inter-Domain Routing), IPv4 and IPv6, Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs), Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), Port Address Translation (PAT), Routing Information Protocol (RIP), Open Shortest Path First (OSPF)