How to Subdivide a Network Into Smaller Segments
Subnetting is a common technique that network administrators and engineers use to divide a physical network into smaller logical networks by adding a subnet mask to the IP address of that network. It also allows organizations to use their IP address space efficiently. Breaking up a network into smaller segments serves several purposes such as implementing security, controlling network traffic or segregating traffic for a specific purpose.
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Instructions
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Identify the IP address and class of the IP address for the network you would like to segment. TCP/IP networks use the IP address of a device to route messages. Each device must have an IP address for communication to take place on the network. An IP address can belong to one of five classes (A, B, C, D or E) and contains 32 bits separated into four octets. It identifies the network and the node (or host) of the device. It is typically expressed as a decimal notation because it is easier to remember. However, computers process IP addresses in its binary form. An example of a class C IP address is 216.201.81.5 in decimal notation and 11011000.11001001.01010001.00000101 in binary format.
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Determine how many subnets or network segments you would like to create. Subnetting uses the subnet mask to break up a single IP address class number. This process involves borrowing bits from the host portion of IP address to create smaller network segments or subnets.
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Create the subnet masks by turning on bits in the quartet that generates the subnet. Similar to the IP address, a subnet mask contains 32 bits separated into four octets. For example, a class C subnet mask of 255.255.255.128 will give you two subnets with the following ranges: 224.192.76.0 to 224.192.76.126 and 224.192.76.128 to 224.192.76.254. IP Address 224.192.76.127 is reserved as the broadcast address for the first subnet and 224.192.76.255 for the second.
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Tips & Warnings
Switches and bridges are types of connection devices that divide a network phsysically with the primary purpose of preventing collision domains. A collision domain is a network where one device forces all devices to listen when it sends out data packets. A collision can also occur when more than one device attempts to send data packets at the same time. However, switches prevent collision domains better than bridges because they have more ports. Bridges have few ports which means more devices per network segment. Switches significantly reduce the amount of devices per network segments; allowing for fewer collisions on the network.
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