This video is a complete, guided walkthrough of IPv4 addressing, built using the same mapped‑learning format I’ve used for years when teaching networking fundamentals. If you learn best by seeing concepts explained visually and step‑by‑step, this lesson is designed to make IPv4 feel clear, logical, and approachable.
In the video, I break down how binary works, why powers of two matter, and how those values form the structure of each IPv4 octet. From there, we explore how IPv4 addresses are constructed, why each octet ranges from 0 to 255, and how the full 32‑bit address space results in more than four billion possible IP addresses. I also walk through the classful system — Classes A through E — and show how the first bits of the first octet determine the range and purpose of each class.
We then move into subnet masks and CIDR notation, focusing on how network bits and host bits work together. You’ll see how to calculate the number of networks and hosts, how to identify the network boundary for a given IP, and how to determine the host range and broadcast address. Using examples like 192.168.1.15/24, I demonstrate how to find the network, the usable addresses, and the next network in sequence.
If you’re studying for a certification, working in a networking role, or simply strengthening your fundamentals, this lesson gives you a clear, practical understanding of how IPv4 actually works. Everything is presented in a linear, mapped‑learning flow so you can follow along easily and build confidence as you go.
As always, everything here is free to learn and free to share. I hope this video helps you deepen your understanding of IPv4, and I welcome any questions or comments as we continue our journey.
- Jonathan Lincoln
Here is the link to the article with the PowerPoint slides shown in this video:
