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Logical Addressing 1

Logical addressing, primarily through IP addresses, is essential for identifying devices and routing data in computer networks. It includes IPv4 and IPv6 addressing, subnetting for network management, and the use of routing tables for optimal data paths. The Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) further facilitates communication by mapping logical addresses to physical addresses within local networks.

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389 views2 pages

Logical Addressing 1

Logical addressing, primarily through IP addresses, is essential for identifying devices and routing data in computer networks. It includes IPv4 and IPv6 addressing, subnetting for network management, and the use of routing tables for optimal data paths. The Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) further facilitates communication by mapping logical addresses to physical addresses within local networks.

Uploaded by

tech4fresherss
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as ODT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Logical addressing is a critical concept at the network layer in computer networks.

It helps uniquely
identify devices and route data across the network. Here’s a detailed explanation:

Logical Addressing in the Network Layer:


1. What is a Logical Address?
• A logical address, commonly known as an IP address, is an identifier assigned to
each device connected to a network. Unlike physical (MAC) addresses, logical
addresses can be changed and are used to route data between networks.
2. IP Addressing:
• There are two versions of IP addresses:
• IPv4: Consists of 32 bits and is typically represented in decimal format (e.g.,
192.168.1.1).
• IPv6: Consists of 128 bits and is typically represented in hexadecimal format
(e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334).
3. Subnetting:
• Subnetting divides a larger network into smaller, manageable sub-networks or
subnets. This is done to improve network performance and security.
• Each subnet has its own range of IP addresses, allowing efficient routing within and
between subnets.
4. Routing:
• Logical addresses are crucial for routing. Routers use logical addresses to determine
the best path for data to travel from the source to the destination.
• Routing Tables: Routers maintain routing tables that contain information about
available routes and their metrics. These tables help routers make decisions about the
optimal path for each packet.
5. Address Resolution Protocol (ARP):
• ARP is used to map logical addresses (IP addresses) to physical addresses (MAC
addresses) within a local network. This ensures that data reaches the correct device
on a given network.

Why Logical Addressing is Important:


• Scalability: Logical addressing allows networks to grow and interconnect efficiently.
• Flexibility: Devices can be moved across networks without changing their physical
addresses. Only their logical addresses need to be updated.
• Routing: Logical addresses are used by routers to forward data packets across different
networks, enabling communication over vast distances.
Example:
Imagine you want to send an email from your laptop to a friend in another city. Your laptop has a
unique IP address, and so does your friend’s device. The email is broken into packets, each
containing source and destination IP addresses. Routers use these IP addresses to guide the packets
through various networks until they reach the destination.
Logical addressing is foundational for modern computer networks, enabling efficient and accurate
data transmission between devices.

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