Exam Highlights

Before taking the exam, review the key topics and terms that are presented in this chapter. You need to know this information.

Key Points

• Remember the range of IP addresses used by APIPA. If you see that a computer has an IP address starting with 169.254, it means that the computer is not pulling an IP address from a DHCP server. This could be the result of a networking problem or a DHCP issue.

• Make sure you know where in the Windows XP interface you configure DNS and WINS settings. Also make sure you understand what information resulting from the ipconfig /all command can show you about DNS and WINS servers.

Key Terms

Domain Name System (DNS) A service that resolves host names to IP addresses for clients on a network. This service allows users to type a name such as www.microsoft.com instead of an IP address.

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) A service that assigns TCP/IP addresses automatically to clients on a network. DHCP servers provide this service.

gateway address A network point that allows access into and out of a network. Gateways can be routers, firewalls, or proxy servers, and gateways decide whether a data packet belongs on the local network or on a remote one.

subnet A separate and distinct part of a network, generally represented by one geographic location, such as an office or a building. Subnets use gateways to access the Internet, thus allowing all users to access the Internet through one shared network address.

subnet mask Subnet masks enable computers to determine when to send packets to the gateway in order to communicate with computers on remote subnets.