IP packets

Hello. I have a question regarding basic IP concepts. For example, if an IP packet is sent to destination address, for example 192.0.0.1 where does it actually go? I mean which steps are actually done to deliver the packet to that address?

Ok we'll simplify this a little bit....

Your PC will first use its subnet mask and compare the network bits with the destination address you are sending to.. this will let it determine if the packet is meant for your LAN or for a system off the LAN...

If it is for the LAN (same network ID), it will send out an ARP broadcast on the subnet asking for the MAC address belonging to that IP.. when the response comes, it will then send the IP packet to that system...

If it is not meant for the LAN, it will send it to the default gateway.. or if it has another route listed in the routing table it will send it there..

The router will essentially do the same thing, except with a larger routing table.. and it will only keep swapping the MAC addresses, not the source IPs.