Networks

Another important concept is the IP address, a numerical label unique for each device that is connected to a computer network. An IP address is used to identify a device and its network interface thereby providing the location of the device in the network. By knowing the IP address of a device, a path to that device can be identified and a connection between two devices within a network can be established.

For instance, remote servers managed by ETH are only accessible for you as a user if you are connected to the network from within the ETH domain, either because you are on the ETH WiFi or you have connected via Virtual Private Network (VPN). VPN is a way of connecting to a server that then channels all of your internet traffic through the server as if you were in its location. So if you use the ETH VPN, you will have access to everything as if you were connected to the ETH WiFi or cable network.

If you have not already connected your devices with the ETH VPN you can find the instructions to do so here.

Exercise 0.2

Exercise 0.2

• Try to find out your IP-address before connecting to the ETH VPN. You can do so by going to the website Hoststar. Now connect to the ETH VPN and check your IP-address once more at Hoststar. What do you notice?

You should notice that your IP-address changed even though you did not physically change your location.