What is the subnet mask and why it is necessary in a network?

What is the subnet mask and why it is necessary in a network?

A subnet mask is a 32-bit number created by setting host bits to all 0s and setting network bits to all 1s. In this way, the subnet mask separates the IP address into the network and host addresses. The “255” address is always assigned to a broadcast address, and the “0” address is always assigned to a network address.

What is the benefit of using subnets?

Subnetting is the practice of dividing up a network into two or more networks. Common advantages of subnetting include enhancing routing efficiency, network management control, and improving network security.

Why is the subnet mask so important when analyzing an IP address?

Understanding subnet mask is very important in network infrastructure. It is important because it will tell all the information needed to configure the machine, information such as hostname, port address, the number of ports and broadcast address. Subnet mask tells you everything.

Why do we create subnets?

But subnetting enables you to ensure that information remains in the subnetted network or broadcast domain, which allows other subnets to maximize their speed and effectiveness. Subnetting also divides your network’s broadcast domains, enabling you to better control traffic flow, thus increasing network performance!

What are the functions of subnet mask?

The function of a subnet mask is to extract the network ID portion of an IP destination address and determine whether an IP address exists on the local network or whether it must be routed outside the local network. If the extracted network ID matches the local network ID, the destination is located on the local network.

What is the difference between a subnet and a subnet mask?

A subnet is a range of addresses which are valid hosts on the same network. Subnet and network range are synonyms. A subnet mask is an obsolete term for “network mask”. “subnet” no longer exists. It is a leftover from classful days. “network” can be used in place of “subnet” for almost all uses (if not all).

How to understand subnet masks?

A subnet mask is used to divide an IP address into two parts. One part identifies the host (computer), the other part identifies the network to which it belongs. To better understand how IP addresses and subnet masks work, look at an IP (Internet Protocol) address and see how it is organized.

How do you calculate subnet mask?

A more mathematical way to express the the subnet mask calculation is: current value = value on the left (previous value) + power of 2 of this column. It should take about 1 minute to do this when the exam starts. It will be extremely useful all through the exam to double check any IP and subnet.