Subnet mask values explained
In computer networking, subnet mask values are used to determine the network portion and host portion of an IP address. The subnet mask is a 32-bit binary number that is used to divide an IP address into network and host portions.
A subnet mask is expressed in dotted decimal notation, which consists of four sets of numbers separated by dots. Each set of numbers represents 8 bits of the subnet mask, which can be expressed as a decimal number between 0 and 255. For example, a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0 means that the first three sets of 8 bits are used for the network portion, and the last set of 8 bits is used for the host portion.
The subnet mask is commonly represented using the CIDR notation, which stands for Classless Inter-Domain Routing. CIDR notation is a shorthand way of representing a subnet mask by indicating the number of bits that are used for the network portion of the IP address.
For example, /24 indicates that the first 24 bits of the IP address are used for the network portion, and the last 8 bits are used for the host portion. This is equivalent to a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0. The /24 notation is commonly used for small to medium-sized networks.
On the other hand, /32 represents a subnet mask that uses all 32 bits of the IP address for the network portion. This means that the IP address is not divided into any subnets, and the entire address is used to identify a single host on the network. /32 is commonly used for loopback addresses or for assigning a static IP address to a single host.
In summary, subnet mask values are used to determine the network and host portions of an IP address. The subnet mask is expressed in dotted decimal notation or CIDR notation, which indicates the number of bits used for the network portion. /24 is commonly used for small to medium-sized networks, while /32 is used for identifying a single host on the network.
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Dave
Dave is a 20-year computer tech, systems administrator, and Geek. We computer help and IT support for residential and business users. We offer on site services for the Greater Toronto Area and Remote Support for the rest of Canada. CLICK HERE for residential computer help and Business IT support pricing and information. Does your business software do EVERYTHING?! Mine does, but then again - I use Zoho ;)