Specifications

Niagara Release 2.3
Niagara Networking & Connectivity Guide Revised: May 22, 2002
CHAPTER
1–1
1
Understanding Networking and IP
Addressing
This chapter gives a concise overview of networks and IP addressing, as a guide to
the terms and concepts used in later chapters. It does this with these main topics:
• Introduction to Networking
• Networking using IP
• Niagara Considerations
• Additional Information
Introduction to Networking
To understand connecting Niagara devices, one must first understand the basics of
network communications. Therefore, this topic serves as an introduction to
networking and it includes the following discussions:
• What is Networking?—what networks are and how they are used.
• Types of Networks—includes peer-to-peer networks, server-based networks,
and various other server-based networks.
• Network Design—describes various network topologies and the equipment
used to build a network.
• The OSI Model and the IEEE 802 Standards—discusses the concept of
dividing network communications into separate layers.
• Drivers and Protocols—describes network interface drivers and how protocols
work.
• Access Methods—describes how computers handle instances where multiple
transmitters attempt to send messages at the same time.
• Expanding Networks—discusses devices used to expand networks, including
repeaters, bridges, routers, brouters, and gateways.