The goal of this article is to provide the reader with a basic understanding of TCP/IP subnetting, addressing, and routing. It is not meant to be exhaustive or to address every topic.
This is intended for LAN administrators who are just switching to TCP/IP, but it should be helpful to anyone who is interested in learning a little (more) about how TCP/IP functions. Dial-up SLIP/PPP connections are normally excluded from the scope of this publication.
A primer differs from a FAQ in that a FAQ typically focuses on questions and answers and generally tries to address ALL concerns, not just the ones that are frequently raised. This primer is meant to serve as a jumping-off point for those who are curious about the topic but are unsure of where to begin or what questions to ask. This should also aid in deepening the comprehension of those who have worked with TCP/IP for some time but haven't had the opportunity to study all the unhelpful theories or have been a little overwhelmed by the numerous theoretical aspects and missed the broader picture.
