Name: Aljeg Victor Dean G.

Gamis Course and Year: 3 - BSCpE

Activity No. & Title: Activity 4: IP Addressing and Architecture Subject Code: CPE 322.1

1. Define an IP address and explain its role in computer networking?

- An IP address is a unique identifier for devices or networks connecting to the internet,

with two components: the network address and the host address. IP addresses can be
written in binary, dotted-decimal, or hexadecimal notations, and there are two versions:
IPv4 (32 bits) and IPv6 (128 bits). IP addresses are assigned by IANA, with public IP
addresses identifying devices on the internet and private IP addresses for local
networks. They can be dynamic or static, and are essential for identifying and locating
devices on a network, enabling communication and information exchange.

2. Differentiate between IPv4 and IPv6 addressing schemes, highlighting the main
improvements introduced by IPv6.

IPv4 and IPv6 are two versions of the Internet Protocol:

• IPv4: 32-bit address, limited address space, and complex header structure.
• IPv6: 128-bit hexadecimal address, simplified header structure, and
multicasting support.
Differences in addressing, routing, and network management:

• Addressing: IPv4 uses dotted-decimal notation, while IPv6 uses hexadecimal

notation.
• Routing: IPv6 has a simplified header structure, promoting faster routing and
reduced network overhead.
• Network management: IPv6 supports multicasting for efficient data
transmission to multiple recipients simultaneously, promoting enhanced
scalability and performance.
Challenges in transitioning from IPv4 to IPv6:

• Coexistence: Addressing challenges in coexisting IPv4 and IPv6 networks.

• Compatibility: Addressing compatibility issues between IPv4 and IPv6
devices and applications.
• Infrastructure: Upgrading network infrastructure and devices to support IPv6.
Benefits of IPv6 adoption:

• Address space: A long-term solution to the problem of limited network

address resources.

Record Code: CEAFA-IND-1.17

Page 1 of 2
Date: April 23, 2024
3. Describe the hierarchical structure of IP addressing and the purpose of subnet
masks.
- IP addressing has a hierarchical structure, dividing networks into subnets and hosts,
similar to telephone numbering systems. Subnetting involves stealing bits from the host
portion of the IP address to create a subnet portion, allowing for more detailed breakdowns
of network addresses. Subnet masks identify the network, subnet, and host portions of an
IP address, assisting in forwarding traffic to specific networks and subnets. Subnet masks
optimize IP address allocation, enhance network management, and facilitate efficient
routing within complex network infrastructures. The hierarchical structure of IP addressing
and the use of subnet masks contribute to the efficient and organized functioning of
network infrastructures.

4. Discuss the significance of protocols such as TCP/IP and OSI in internetwork

architectures, and explain their respective layer models.

-Protocols like TCP/IP and OSI are vital in internetwork architectures, providing the
framework for communication protocols and organizing the set of protocols used in
networks.
-The TCP/IP model, with four layers, facilitates data exchange between applications,
hosts, and networks through protocols like HTTP, FTP, TCP, UDP, IP, and Ethernet.
-In contrast, the OSI model, with seven layers, defines how data is transferred between
devices based on abstraction, encapsulation, and standardization principles. Each
layer in these models has specific functions and standards, ensuring efficient
communication and data exchange within complex network infrastructures.
Understanding and implementing these models are essential for effective network
design, management, and troubleshooting.

5. Explain the purpose of NAT (Network Address Translation) in IP addressing and how
it enables private networks to connect to the public Internet using a limited number of
public IP addresses.
- NAT, or Network Address Translation, is a method of mapping one IP address space
to another, conserving globally routable IP addresses and providing privacy. NAT
enables private networks to connect to the public Internet using a limited number of
public IP addresses by translating private IP addresses to public IP addresses and vice
versa.
-NAT can provide security by hiding the internal network structure and IP addresses
from external networks, but can also cause issues with certain applications and
protocols that rely on end-to-end IP connectivity. NAT is commonly used in enterprise
networks, service provider networks, and home networks to conserve IP addresses and
provide security. Despite its limitations, NAT is an important tool for managing IP
addressing in complex network infrastructures.

Record Code: CEAFA-IND-1.17

Page 1 of 2
Date: April 23, 2024