Frequently Asked Question on Subnet Mask

What is a Subnet Mask?

Setting all 0s for the host bits and all 1s for the network bits results in a 32-bit value known as a subnet mask. The IP address is divided into the host address and network address in this manner by the subnet mask. “255” is always the address assigned to the broadcast address, while “0” is always the address assigned to the network address. The subnet mask cannot be assigned to the host because it is set aside for a specific purpose....

Network Classes

The company in charge of overseeing the Internet, InterNIC, assigns IP addresses. There are classes for these IP addresses. Classes A, B, and C are the most prevalent ones among them. Although they exist, end users do not use classes D or E. The default subnet mask varies for each address class. An IP address’s first octet can be used to determine its class. The ranges of Class A, B, and C Internet addresses are listed below, along with a sample address for each:...

Advantages of Subnetting

It does this by sending out fewer broadcasts, which lowers network load. It assists in getting around restrictions in a local area network (LAN), like the maximum number of permitted hosts. Without needing to access the entire network, it enables users to join to a work network from their residences. It keeps one network safe from another’s infiltration. For instance, no other department within an organisation should be able to view the code created by the Developer department. A higher network priority may be needed for some subnets than for others. For instance, a sales department might need to hold video conferences or webcasts. If the network is tiny, maintenance is easy....

Disadvantages of Subnetting

Subnetting reduces the overall number of IP addresses in the network, yet it could necessitate purchasing extra hardware, like a router. Thus, it could be very expensive. Companies still assign address blocks in relation to classes, therefore it cannot alleviate the inefficiency....

Conclusion

Subnetting improves performance by lowering network traffic and collisions. This gives the IT administrators complete control over data packet monitoring, router device enabling or updating, and network traffic reduction. In order for the routers to match data packets to the intended node and determine the optimal path for data transmission between the sender and recipient interface, the subnet mask addresses are required to distinguish between the host and network address....

Frequently Asked Question on Subnet Mask – FAQs

What is a Subnet Mask?...