Below the Net

OK, it is actually called a "subnet" but you get the word change don't you? If not then I have failed and will cease writing anymore blogs.

Maybe that is an exaggeration.

Moving on, I wanted to say something about subnetting. If you don't know what I am talking about then that is good. You have been spared the torment of having to learn such a horrible task. Maybe it is not as bad as I make it out to be. I believe there may be some people out there that actually enjoy subnetting. I know! I can't believe it myself.

Subnetting is actually the process of splitting up a network address, commonly called and IP address, into different sub-networks. Sounds boring right? It is!

I promise you one thing, you better enjoy math if you have lost any good sense and have a desire to learn how to do this. I will gladly give you an example.

Let's say a company is looking to have a network made up of 5 sub-networks and is given the IP address of 200.21.10.0 with a class C subnet mask of 255.255.255.0. Sounds fun already doesn't it? Let's break it down.

In order to get 5 networks you must use the subnet mask of 255.255.255.224.

This would give you the five networks that you needed with the ability to connect up to 30 hosts to each network.

The IP address ranges for these subnets would be:

200.21.10.0 - 200.21.10.31
200.21.10.32 - 200.21.10.63

200.21.10.64 - 200.21.10.95

200.21.10.96 - 200.21.10.127

200.21.10.128 - 200.21.10.159

Look simple enough? Yea, right!

Well, this is one of the many things I am learning while studying for the CCENT exam. I just thought I would share it with you. If you have any questions please email me.

Remember, don't drop a packet!