What Is IP?

What is a Network IP?

• im learning about computer networks and the concept im trying to wrap my head around is the whole "Network IP and Broadcast IP address that are the first and last IP addresses at the beginning and end of each Sub-net. So my question is this: What exactly is a network IP? (the first address of the subnet one) is it the IP of the actual Network? how can you view that address from a host computer? and while were at it the Broadcast IP. how do you use that IP? when do you use it? what do you use it for? Thanks!

• Answer:

  The network address is a representation of your network as a whole. It is useless information alone but combined with a subnet mask will allow you to determine how many hosts per network and how many subnets there are, allowing you to allot a range of ip addresses to devices. Your host computer will not show you what your network address is but it will show you your ip address and a subnet mask. With that subnet mask, you can determine what the network address is and the subnet your ip address is in. Example: 192.168.0.0/25 subnet mask: 255.255.255.128 <--binary: 11111111.11111111.11111111.10000000 Number of subnets equal 2^n where n = the number of bits borrowed-------------------------------^ So 2^1=2 so we have 2 subnets. Number of hosts per subnet equal (2^n)-2 where n = the host bits or 0s. We subtract 2 because were cant use the network or broadcast address. So (2^7)-2=126 so we have 126 hosts per subnet So (2^7)-2 192.168.0.0 is the first network address Host range 192.168.0.1-192.168.0.126 broadcast: 192.168.0.127 192.168.0.128 is the second network address Host range 192.168.0.129-192.168.0.254 broadcast: 192.168.0.255 Broadcast addresses are used as a logical address by which a device sends information and it is forwarded to all devices on that subnet. DHCP and BOOTP uses this as a means for sending out ip addresses to hosts.