Apple 8600 appendix Configuring your TCP/IP network connection, Before you begin

Configuring your TCP/IP network connection

You use the TCP/IP control panel when your computer is connected to a network that uses TCP/IP standards, such as the Internet.

TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) is a standard set of rules (or protocols) for making connections among different types of computers. TCP/IP protocols can be used with many different types of network hardware, including LocalTalk, Ethernet, and dialup Internet connections. If you don’t know whether your network uses TCP/IP, contact your network administrator.

To set up your TCP/IP network connection, you must specify the port you use to connect your computer to the network. TCP/IP networks also require information about your computer’s network address. You must enter that information in the control panel, or specify a server on which the information can be found.

Before you begin

To use a TCP/IP network, your computer must have an IP (Internet Protocol) address, and it often must have a subnet mask number. Your network address and subnet mask number identify your computer’s location on the network.

This information can be entered manually or obtained automatically from a server. Before you set up your TCP/IP network connection, obtain your IP address and subnet mask number from your Internet service provider or network administrator. If these can be obtained automatically from a server, find out whether the server is a “BootP,” “RARP,” “DHCP,” or “MacIP” server.

“BootP” stands for Boot Protocol. A BootP server can automatically provide all the TCP/IP setup information you need.

“RARP” stands for Reverse Address Resolution Protocol. A RARP server can provide the IP address for your computer, but you must provide the rest of the information manually.

“DHCP” stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. A DHCP server can automatically provide all the TCP/IP setup information you need.

Connecting Your Computer to a Network 61