IP

=Internet Protocol =  media type="custom" key="21062806" align="center"

The internet protocol governs how devices on a network are identified and how information is routed between them. It is used in many networks, not only the internet. Each machine is assigned an IP address which uniquely identifies it on the network. It contains four groups of digits e.g., 192.168.2.5. A DHCP (Dynamic Host Control Protocol) server assigns and track IP addresses to computers. Of course there is the problem with some computers that have the same IP address. This is solved by using the computers private addresses. Below, the computers are on seperate networks therefore there is no conflict.
 * TCP **

Abbreviation of Transmission Control Protocol, and pronounced as separate letters. TCP is one of the main protocols in TCP/IP networks. Whereas the IP protocol deals only with packets, TCP enables two hosts to establish a connection and exchange streams of data. TCP guarantees delivery of data and also guarantees that packets will be delivered in the same order in which they were sent.

Almost all personal computers come with a serial RS-232C port or RS-422 port for connecting a modem or mouse and a parallel port for connecting a printer. On PCs, the parallel port is a Centronics interface that uses a 25-pin connector. SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) ports support higher transmission speeds than do conventional ports and enable you to attach up to seven devices to the same port.
 * Ports **
 * (1)** An interface on a computer to which you can connect a device. Personal computers have various types of ports. Internally, there are several ports for connecting disk drives, display screens, and keyboards. Externally, personal computers have ports for connecting modems, printers, mice, and other peripheral devices.


 * (2)** In TCP/IP and UDP networks, an endpoint to a logical connection. The port number identifies what type of port it is. For example, port 80 is used for HTTP traffic. Also see Well-Known TCP Port Numbers in the Quick Reference section of Webopedia.


 * (3)** To move a program from one type of computer to another. To port an application, you need to rewrite sections that are machine dependent, and then recompile the program on the new computer. Programs that can be ported easily are said to be portable.

MAC Addresses is a unique number built into virtually every network. This address is saved in a computers ROM.