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What is subnetting and why it is used?

Author

Christopher Ramos

Published Feb 24, 2026

What is subnetting and why it is used?

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. A subnet mask creates the tool which enables a router to match an IP address with a sub-network.

In respect to this, what is subnetting and how it is done?

Subnetting is the process of stealing bits from the HOST part of an IP address in order to divide the larger network into smaller sub-networks called subnets. After subnetting, we end up with NETWORK SUBNET HOST fields.

Also Know, why subnetting is needed? Subnetting ensures that traffic destined for a device within a subnet stays in that subnet, which reduces congestion. However, using a router to move traffic between subnets results in no broadcast traffic or any information that doesn't need to be routed being moved to other subnets.

Similarly, what is subnetting formula?

Let's look at two formulas you need to know when subnetting a network. Networks formula. This formula is 2x, where x is the number of 1s added to the subnet mask from the previous or default subnet mask when converted to binary. For example, a subnet mask of 255.255.

How do subnets work?

Subnetting works by applying the concept of extended network addresses to individual computer (and another network device) addresses. But because this is a Class C network, the default subnet mask of 255.255. 255.0 allows all computers on the network to be peers (to send messages directly to each other) by default.

How do you calculate subnets?

The number of subnets is found by counting the number of bits by which the initial mask was extended, also known as the subnet bits. Our initial address allocation was 192.168. 0.0 with a mask of 255.255. 0.0.

What is use of router?

A router receives and sends data on computer networks. Routers are sometimes confused with network hubs, modems, or network switches. However, routers can combine the functions of these components, and connect with these devices, to improve Internet access or help create business networks.

What is IP loopback address?

Most IP implementations support a loopback interface (lo0) to represent the loopback facility. Any traffic that a computer program sends on the loopback network is addressed to the same computer. The most commonly used IP address on the loopback network is 127.0. 0.1 for IPv4 and ::1 for IPv6.

What is an IP v4?

IPv4 stands for Internet Protocol version 4. It is the underlying technology that makes it possible for us to connect our devices to the web. Whenever a device accesses the Internet, it is assigned a unique, numerical IP address such as 99.48.

What does 24 mean in IP address?

This is called “slash notation”. There is a total of 32 bits in IPv4 address space. For example, if a network has the address “192.0. 2.0/24”, the number “24” refers to how many bits are contained in the network. From this, the number of bits left for address space can be calculated.

What is Submasking?

A subnet mask is a number that defines a range of IP addresses available within a network. Multiple subnet masks can organize a single network into smaller networks (called subnetworks or subnets).

How many subnets are in a 24?

Class C
Network BitsSubnet MaskNumber of Subnets
/24255.255.255.00
/25255.255.255.1282 (0)
/26255.255.255.1924 (2)
/27255.255.255.2248 (6)

How many types of subnets are there?

There are two types of Subnetting FLSM and VLSM. In FLSM, all subnets have equal number of host addresses and use same Subnet mask. In VLSM, subnets have flexible number of host addresses and use different subnet mask.

What is a subnet example?

Subnet masks are also expressed in dot-decimal notation like an address. For example, 255.255.255.0 is the subnet mask for the prefix 198.51.100.0/24. Traffic is exchanged between subnetworks through routers when the routing prefixes of the source address and the destination address differ.

What is the main goal of Vlsm?

Variable-Length Subnet Masking (VLSM) amounts to "subnetting subnets," which means that VLSM allows network engineers to divide an IP address space into a hierarchy of subnets of different sizes, making it possible to create subnets with very different host counts without wasting large numbers of addresses.

What is classless subnetting?

Subnetting: Dividing a large block of addresses into several contiguous sub-blocks and assigning these sub-blocks to different smaller networks is called subnetting. It is a practice that is widely used when classless addressing is done.

What are the valid subnets?

Answer: The valid hosts are the numbers between the subnet number and the mask. For the 64 subnet, the valid host range is 64-126. For the 128 subnet, the valid host range is 129-190.

How do you calculate Vlsm?

The concept of VLSM Subnetting is relatively simple.
  1. Select block size for each segment.
  2. Based on block size arrange all segments in descending order.
  3. Do FLSM Subnetting for the block size of the first segment.
  4. Assign first subnet from subnetted subnets to the first segment.

Where is subnet mask on router?

  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.