← Computer Networks learning pathComputer Networks · Module 4 of 10
Network layer and IP
Address and route packets across networks.
📖 Key ideas
- IP gives each device a logical address (IPv4/IPv6).
- Routers forward packets using routing tables.
- Subnetting divides networks.
- ICMP supports diagnostics like ping.
- NAT lets private addresses share a public IP.
💡 Real-life example: IP routing is a courier network: each hub reads the address and sends the parcel to the next best hub.
IP addressLogical network address
Routing tableRouter's list of paths
ICMPControl and error messages
NATNetwork Address Translation