Ethernet networking terminology

Below are some words you may encounter when setting up and using DDP/E1.31 pixel controllers and other Ethernet devices.

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An essential piece of networking equipment to allow more than two devices to communicate with each other. For the purposes of Christmas lighting, an inexpensive fast Ethernet (100mbps) switch will do just fine, although gigabit (1gbps) may cost only a little bit more.

Small form factor network switches are typically available in 5 and 8-port models. Larger switches with 16, 24 or more ports are also an option.

A unique number that allows an Ethernet device like a computer, router or pixel controller to be identified.

Home networks use reserved IP addresses for local communications. Possible reserved ranges are:

• 192.168.0.0 - 192.168.255.255
• 10.0.0.0 - 10.255.255.255
• 172.16.0.0 - 172.31.255.255

Home networks typically use a smaller reserved IP address range, such as 192.168.1.1 - 192.168.1.254, as most homes won't have more than 250 networked devices.

A binary mask that limits the IP address range that Ethernet devices can contact.

Generally for simple networks setting this to 255.255.255.0 is best practice. This allows 255 IP addresses from the same block to communicate with each other. For example 192.168.1.1 could speak to 192.168.1.254 but not 192.168.2.1.

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A server that issues temporary IP addresses to devices upon connection to a network. DHCP is a router feature.

A server that points a hostname to the correct IP address for the device. Required to utilise hostnames.

A human readable descriptive word or words that translates to an IP address. A DNS is needed.