Efficient Networks SpeedStream 5600 Series - Manual (Page 9)

8 About the 5600 Series DSL Router Efficient Networks, Inc.
interface card installed in a network node. Bridging is a simple
transmission scheme and there is little software management involved in
the sending of packets. Packets are simply forwarded from one node to
the next.
• Routers are much more complex than bridges. Routers send packets
from node to node based on IP addresses. An IP address can be viewed
as a modifiable identifier that is mapped to the MAC address of network
node. The IP address of a node may change dynamically or by user
configuration. Therefore, there are protocols and databases on the
network that must keep track of the IP address assignments for the
nodes on the local area network. Other features of a router allow you to
restrict the types of data packets that are allowed onto your local area
network from the wide area network (WAN) and vice versa.
Where and Why to Use the
Router
The 5600 Series router supports multiple or individual users at a remote,
small office or in a home office that is connected via ADSL to a central
office or network service provider.
The drawing below shows several computers (network nodes) attached via
Ethernet cables to an Ethernet hub at the end-user’s office. The hub is
connected to the 5600 Series router. The device is connected to the outside
world (internet) via a telephone jack that has been configured to support
DSL service.
DSL Local
Remote Office,
Home Office
DSLAM:
DSL termination
Backbone:
ATM/SONET
(Telco or PTT)
Network Access Provider
(ISP, Corporate LAN)
Network Service Provider
Remote
routing,
Access
security
Server:
Internet or
Corporate
Network
Loop
5600 ADSL
Hub
Router