Lexmark 4600 Series manual What is TCP/IP?, How do I locate IP addresses?

What is TCP/IP?

Networks are able to function because computers, printers, and other devices are able to send data to each other, either through cables or by using wireless signals. This transfer of data is made possible by sets of data transmission rules called protocols. A protocol can be thought of as a language, and like a language, it has rules allowing participants to communicate with each other.

Different types of networks use different protocols, but Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) is the most popular. TCP/IP is used to send data over the Internet as well as over most corporate and home networks.

Because computers do not understand words and instead rely upon numbers for communication, TCP/IP requires that every device on a network using TCP/IP to communicate must have an IP address. IP addresses are essentially unique computer names in a numeric format, used to transfer data around a network. IP addresses allow TCP/IP to confirm requests for and receipt of data by various devices on the network.

How do I locate IP addresses?

How to locate a computer IP address using Windows

1Do one of the following:

In Windows Vista a Click .

b Click All Programs ΠAccessories. c Click Command Prompt.

In Windows XP and earlier a Click Start.

b Click All Programs or Programs ΠAccessories ΠCommand Prompt.

2Type ipconfig.

3Press Enter.

The IP address appears as four sets of numbers separated by periods, such as 192.168.0.100.

How to locate a computer IP address using Macintosh

1Click ΠSystem Preferences.

2Click Network.

For Mac OS X version 10.5 a Click AirPort.

bClick Advanced.

cClick TCP/IP.

The IP address appears as four sets of numbers separated by periods, such as 192.168.0.100.

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