3Com 520, 510 Routing IP and IPX, Network Organization, Structure and Physical Layout, Internet

Network Organization, Structure and Physical Layout

Some organizations are structured into departments determined by the physical layout of their work environment, so it is natural to divide the corporate network into separate logical networks. Routing becomes the obvious candidate for handling these individual LANs.

The Internet

The protocol adopted by the Defense Data Network (DDN) for the Internet, is based on obtaining and abiding by, a registered Internet address range. This makes a router the ideal choice for accessing the Internet. Unfortunately, new applicants are likely to only get a Class C registered Internet address, preventing more than 254 connections on one bridged IP LAN.

Routing IP and IPX A-7

Routing IP and IPX

Running a bridged network allows workstations to communicate directly between one another. A PC user wishing to communicate with a remote network server is totally unaware of any intervening bridges. This is known as transparent operation.

Figure A-3 Example Network