Subnet mask; Gateway (and router)- Page 19

Configuring your machine for a network with an Ethernet cable connection

11

2

Subnet mask

2

Subnet masks restrict network communication.

„

Example: Computer1 can talk to Computer2

• Computer1

IP Address:

 192.168.1.2

Subnet Mask: 

255.255.255.0

• Computer2

IP Address:

 192.168.1.3

Subnet Mask:

 255.255.255.0

Note

0 denotes that there is no limit to communication at this part of the address.

In the above example, we can communicate with anything that has an IP address that begins with 

192.168.1.X

.

Gateway (and router)

2

A gateway is a network point that acts as an entrance to another network and sends data transmitted via the 
network to an exact destination. The router knows where to direct data that arrives at the gateway. If a 
destination is located at an external network, the router transmits data to the external network. If your network 
communicates with other networks, you may need to configure the Gateway IP address. If you do not know 
the Gateway IP address then contact your Network Administrator.