Understanding IP Addressing B-5

Background

The IP addresses and routing configurations for the devices shown in the diagram are outlined below. In addition, each individual field and its meaning are described.

The IP Address and Subnet Mask fields define the IP address and subnet mask of the device's Ethernet connection to the network while the Remote IP and Remote Sub fields describe the IP address and subnet mask of the remote router. This information is entered in the connection profile of the Netopia R9100.

The Gateway field describes the router or workstation's default gateway, or where they will send their packets if the appropriate route is not known. The Static Route field, which is only shown on Router B, tells Router B what path to take to get to the network defined by Netopia R9100 B. Finally, the Usable IP Address field shows the range of IP addresses available to the hosts of that network.

Note that the IP addresses given in this section are for example purposes only. Do not use these addresses when configuring your network.

With this configuration, both Customer Site A and B can gain Internet access through Routers A and B, with no reconfiguration of the ISP's equipment. The most important item in this configuration is the static route defined on Router B. This tells Router B what path to take to get to the network defined by Netopia R9100 B. Without this information, Customer Site B will be able to access Customer Site A, but not the Internet.

If it is not possible to define a static route on Router B, RIP could be enabled to serve the same purpose. To use RIP instead of a static route, enable Transmit RIP on Netopia R9100 A and Transmit and Receive RIP on Router B. This will allow the route from Customer Site B to propagate on Router B and Customer Site A.

Example: Working with a Class C subnet

Suppose that your organization has a site with only 10 hosts, and no plans to add any new hosts. You don’t need a full Class C address for this site. Many ISPs offer Internet access with only a portion of a full Internet address.

For example, you might obtain the Class C address 199.14.17.48, with the mask 255.255.255.240. From the previous example, you can see that this gives you 14 host addresses to distribute to the hosts at your site. In effect, your existing network of 10 hosts is a subnet of the ISP’s network. Since the Class C address has already been reduced to subnets, you cannot further subnet your network without the risk of creating network routing problems (since you must use the mask issued by the ISP). This, however, is not a problematic limitation for your small network.

The advantages of this situation are the greater ease and lower cost of obtaining a subnet rather than a full Class C address from an ISP.

Distributing IP addresses

To set up a connection to the Internet, you may have obtained a block of IP host addresses from an Internet service provider. When configuring the Netopia R9100, you gave one of those addresses to its Ethernet port, leaving a number of addresses to distribute to computers on your network.

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Farallon Communications R9100 manual Example Working with a Class C subnet, Distributing IP addresses, Background

R9100 specifications

Farallon Communications R9100 is a high-performance network device designed to meet the demanding needs of modern telecommunications. This robust system specializes in delivering reliable, efficient, and scalable solutions for various networking environments. Its architectural design integrates cutting-edge technologies that enhance performance while ensuring compatibility with existing infrastructure.

One of the standout features of the R9100 is its advanced routing capabilities. Equipped with powerful processors, it supports multiple routing protocols, including OSPF, BGP, and EIGRP. This flexibility allows network administrators to optimize data flow and maintain seamless connectivity across diverse network topologies. The R9100 also includes sophisticated Quality of Service (QoS) mechanisms, enabling prioritization of critical traffic, which is essential for latency-sensitive applications.

Another significant aspect of the R9100 is its support for various interfaces. Whether organizations require Ethernet, fiber, or wireless connections, the R9100 accommodates a broad range of interface options. This versatility ensures that it can be deployed in various environments, from large enterprise networks to smaller branch offices.

Security is a crucial consideration in today’s networking landscape, and the R9100 addresses this with built-in security features. These include stateful firewall capabilities, Intrusion Detection System (IDS), and comprehensive Virtual Private Network (VPN) support. Such features allow organizations to safeguard sensitive data and maintain compliance with industry regulations.

The R9100 also prioritizes ease of management. With a user-friendly interface and robust monitoring tools, network administrators can easily configure and manage the device. This capability facilitates rapid troubleshooting and performance tuning, ensuring minimal downtime and optimal user experience.

Energy efficiency is an additional characteristic that sets the R9100 apart from its competitors. Designed with eco-friendly technologies, it minimizes power consumption while maximizing output, making it an ideal choice for organizations looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

In conclusion, Farallon Communications R9100 stands out as a versatile and powerful network device that meets the complexities of modern telecommunications. With its advanced routing features, robust security measures, varied interface options, and energy-efficient design, the R9100 is a formidable player in the networking landscape. Organizations can rely on this solution to enhance their network performance and evolve alongside their growing technological needs.