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Understanding Functions
The various technologies and features utilized by your router require some explanation so you can make the correct choices when configuring your router.
Router
Routers connect two networks together, or in your case, your home network with the Internet (which can be thought of as a very large network). Routers provide bandwidth security by keeping data out of your home network where it does not belong.
The router’s Firewall inspects each packet of data as it flows through the port before delivering it to the appropriate PC. Network Address Translation (NAT) translates one set of IP addresses, usually private, to another set, usually public. This is how your network remains protected and private on the Internet.
TCP/IP
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) comprises the backbone of the Internet. IP moves packets of data between nodes while TCP verifies delivery from client to server. Every device you hook up to your router identifies itself with an IP address. You are able to assign devices on your network with either a static or dynamically assigned IP address.
Static IP Address
A static IP address is a fixed address that is assigned manually to a device on the network. Static IP addresses must be unique and cannot be shared, therefore they are used in situations where the address should never change, like print servers or PC servers.
If using your router to share an Internet connection, your Internet Service Provider (ISP) might have assigned you a static IP address, which you will use when configuring your router. See more information in Configuration.
Dynamic IP Address
A dynamic IP address is a temporary IP number, dynamically or randomly generated by a DHCP server. The address lasts only as long as the server allots, usually in the space of a day or two. When the IP address expires, the client is automatically reassigned a new IP address, ensuring smooth communication.
If using your router to share an Internet connection, your ISP might have assigned you a dynamic IP address, which you use when configuring your router. See more information in Configuration.
SECTION 1, OVERVIEW |