When it comes to optimizing and controlling IP address spaces, subnetting is a key notion in the networking world. Learning subnetting as a networking newbie is crucial for designing robust and scalable networks. By subdividing a big IP address range into more manageable subnets, network managers can make better use of available IP addresses and better organize their networks. In this in-depth tutorial, we’ll explore the topic of subnetting, breaking it down for newcomers with clear explanations of basic concepts, hands-on activities, and practical examples. Having a firm grasp of subnetting will equip you to handle intricate network configurations and guarantee seamless communication throughout your network’s infrastructure.
Subnetting Principles and Their Explanation
- What Is Subnetting?
Subnetting is the process of breaking up a block of IP addresses into smaller groups. It improves network security by separating distinct areas of the network and allowing for more efficient usage of IP addresses.
Types of IP Addresses and the CIDR Notation 1.2
There are five different types of IP addresses (A, B, C, D, and E). Subnetting often employs Class A, Class B, and Class C addresses. Subnet masks are expressed in the simplified form of Classless Inter-Domain Routing (CIDR) notation for IP addresses.
Subnet masks: An Explanation (1.3)
The network and host parts of an IP address are defined by a subnet mask, which is a 32-bit value. The network part is represented by a series of ones in binary, and the host part is represented by a series of zeros. The amount of bits used for the network part is indicated by the decimal notation used for subnet masks, such as /24.
Subnetting Exercises, Part 2
Class C Network Subnetting, Version 2.1
For our first exercise, let’s subnet a Class C IP address (192.168.1.0) using the standard network mask (/24).
First, figure out how many subnets will be needed.
Determine how many subnets your network will require. Let’s pretend we need four subnets as an example.
The Second Step Is to Determine the Amount of Subnetting Bits
Subnetting requires a certain amount of bits, which you should determine. To accommodate the additional subnets, we must use the remaining two bits of the host section of the IP address, making a total of four.
The Third Action: Make Subnet Masks
The new subnet mask is /26 (32 – 2 = 30 bits for the network part), which is a loss of 2 bits. This divides the network into four groups of 64 hosts each.
192.168.1.0/26 is subnet 1. Broadcast address is 192.168.1.63, network address is 192.168.1.0.
Subnet 2 is composed of the numbers 192.168.1.64 through 192.168.1.127, with a total of 26 IP addresses.
This is the 192.168.1.128/26 Subnet. (Host IP:192.168.1.128, Remote IP:192.168.1.191)
Subnet 4 is composed of the numbers 192.168.1.192 through 192.168.1.255 (the network and broadcast addresses, respectively).
Network Subnetting in Class B 2.2
Moving on, we’ll subnet a Class B IPv4 address (172.16.0.1) using the standard subnet mask of /16.
First, figure out how many subnets will be needed.
Let’s pretend our network demands eight different networks, or subnets.
The Second Step Is to Determine the Amount of Subnetting Bits
Subnetting requires a certain amount of bits, which you should determine. Given that 23 (3 bits) = 8, we must borrow these bits from the host field of the IP address.
The Third Action: Make Subnet Masks
The new subnet mask is /19 (32 – 3 = 29 bits for the network part) thanks to a three-bit borrowing. This divides the network into eight groups, each containing 8,190 hosts.
Broadcast address 172.16.31.255 is associated with the 172.16.0.0/19 subnet.
Network Address: 172.16.32.0 Host Name: 172.16.63.255 Subnet Mask: 172.16.32.0/19
Network 172.16.64.0/22, Internet 172.16.95.255/22 is Subnet 3 and its broadcast address is 172.16.95.255.
Subnet 4 is 172.16.96.0/19 and can be reached via the IP address range 172.16.127.255.
IP subnet 5 is 172.16.128.0/19 (172.16.128.0/24, 172.16.159.255/24 broadcast).
Subnet 6 is the 172.16.160.0/19 network, which includes the 172.16.191.255 broadcast address.
Subnet 7 is 172.16.192.0/19 (172.16.192.0/24, 172.16.223.255/24).
Subnet 8 is 172.16.224.0/19, which consists of the IP addresses 172.16.224.0 (the network) and 172.16.255.255 (the broadcast).
Subnetting in the Real World, Part 3
Separating Networks into Subnets
By dividing a massive network into more manageable chunks called “subnets,” administrators can improve network performance, security, and administration. To optimize the network and ensure that everyone has the privileges they need, a university campus, for instance, can be split into several subnets for the teaching staff, the student body, and the administration.
Optimization of Address Space 3.2
Subnetting allows for more efficient use of IP addresses. Subnetting allows you to use Class C addresses more efficiently, which helps you save IP addresses by not allocating a Class A or B address to a tiny network.
Optimization of Network Resources
By separating a large broadcast domain into smaller subnets, subnetting reduces broadcast traffic. This improves network efficiency by decreasing congestion.
Learning subnetting as a first step in creating effective and scalable networks is crucial for beginners. Network administrators can better design, optimize, and administer networks when they have a firm grasp of subnetting principles, have subnetting practice, and recognize its practical applications. Saving IP addresses is just one of the many benefits of subnetting, which also improves network security and speed. Beginners may confidently navigate the complexity of networking and help to create robust and reliable network infrastructures by learning about and practicing the concepts of subnetting.
