What is meant by a subnet mask?

What is meant by a subnet mask?

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.

Why is it called subnet mask?

It is called a subnet mask because it is used to identify network address of an IP address by perfoming a bitwise AND operation on the netmask. A Subnet mask is a 32-bit number that masks an IP address and divides the IP address into network address and host address.

What is purpose of subnetting?

Subnetting limits the IP address usage to within a few devices. This allows an engineer to use subnetting to create sub-networks, sorting data so that it can travel without touching every part of the more complex routers. In order to do this, an engineer needs to match each IP address class to a subnet mask.

How do you get subnet mask?

1. In the Windows search fields, type cmd, to open command prompt.
2. Press Enter.
3. Type ipconfig/all press Enter.
4. Find your network settings.
5. Your PC’s IP address and your network Subnet Mask and Gateway will be listed.

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).

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.

Why it is called a subnet mask?

The goal of subnet masks are simply to enable the subnetting process. The phrase “mask” is applied because the subnet mask essentially uses its own 32-bit number to mask the IP address. A 32-bit IP address uniquely identifies a single device on an IP network.

Is a subnet mask the same as netmask?

The “Netmask”, “subnet mask”, or simply “mask” are all the same thing: A mask that tells software which IPs belong to that network an which don’t.