Configuring Network Addressing and Internet Connections

---

Goals

• [-] Compare Internet connection types
• [-] Use basic TCP/IP concepts
• [-] Compare protocols and ports
• [-] Compare network configuration concepts

Compare Internet Connection Types

• Internet Connection Types and Modems
• Digital Subscriber Line Modems
• Cable Modems
• Fiber to the Curb (FTTC) & Fiber to the Premises (FTTP)
• Fixed Wireless Internet Access
• Cellular Radio Internet Connections
• Routers
• Firewall

Basic TCP/IP Concepts

• TCP-IP
• Internet Protocol (IP)
• Network Prefixes
• IPv4 Forwarding
• Public and Private IP Addressing
• IPv4 Host Address Configuration
• Static vs Dynamic Host Address Configuration
• SOHO Router Configuration
• IPv6 Address

Compare Protocols and Ports

• Protocols and Ports
• Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)
• User Datagram Protocol (UDP)
• Common TCP and UDP Ports

Compare Network Configuration Concepts

• Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)
• Domain Name System (DNS)
• DNS Queries
• DNS Resource Records
• DNS Spam Management Records
  • Sender Policy Framework (SPF)
  • DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM)
  • Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance (DMARC)
• Virtual LANs
• Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Summary

Follow these guidelines to install and configure a SOHO network:

• Identify the most suitable Internet connection type from those available, considering ADSL, cable, FTTC/VDSL, FTTP/full fiber, WISP, satellite, or cellular (4G/5G).
• Either use the ISP-provided SOHO router or provision a router and/or modem to work with the Internet connection type and check that the WAN interface is cabled or connected correctly to the service provider network.
• Use a computer to connect to the router interface over a LAN port or Wi-Fi and verify the status of the Internet connection.
• Optionally, adjust DHCP settings to customize the address scope or configure reservations.
• If configuring one or more hosts with static addresses, ensure each has an IPv4 address and subnet mask that is consistent with the DHCP private address range scope and address scope. Configure the router IP address as the default gateway and optionally as the primary DNS server. If using IPv6, configure an address and network prefix that is consistent with the settings on the router.
• Verify that the router is configured to use trusted DNS resolvers, such as those of the ISP.
• If allowing Internet connections through the firewall, identify the TCP and UDP protocols and ports that need to be opened.
• If allowing Internet connections and maintaining a domain name, consider which services need to be published as address, MX, and TXT records to allow Internet hosts to connect to web and email servers in the domain.
• If expanding the network, consider requirements to use managed switches, VLANs, and IP subnets to divide the LAN into multiple broadcast domains and to allow remote access via a VPN.