The mask affects the execution of the IP address. It is responsible for how the location of the device on the network is determined. To understand how this happens, imagine the IP address as a long house number with the street, district, and city. The mask is like a special filter that highlights only part of this number - for example, only the street number.
As an example, consider the IP address 172.16.2.2 with a subnet mask of 255.255.240.0:
IP address 172.16.2.2 in binary format looks like: 10101100.00010000.00000010.00000010;
subnet mask 255.255.240.0 in binary format looks like: 11111111.11111111.11110000.00000000.
The network and host parts of the IP address are determined by the ones and zeros of the subnet mask:
Network part: 10101100.00010000.00000000.0000000 (172.16.0.0).
Host part: 00000000.00000000.00000010.00000010 (514).
So we see that IP address 172.16.2.2 with subnet mask 255.255.240.0 is in network 172.16.0.0.
What does a subnet mask do?
The mask performs the following functions:
Splits an IP address into two parts: the network address and the host address. The thailand whatsapp number database network address identifies the subnet to which the device belongs, and the host address identifies the device itself within that subnet.
Determines how many devices can be in one subnet (in the example given, 4094). The mask sets the number of bits that can be used for the host address (node), and this determines the maximum number of devices in the subnet.
Facilitates the routing of data packets. The mask allows routers to quickly determine which subnet a particular IP address belongs to and send the data packet along the correct route.
As an example of using subnets, let's take a closer look at how you can divide an existing network into two subnets. In our case, we'll divide the network with the IP address 192.168.19.0 and the subnet mask 255.255.255.0 into two subnets using the mask 255.255.255.128. We'll get two address ranges:
Subnet 1: - from 192.168.19.0 to 192.168.19.127.
Subnet 2: - from 192.168.19.128 to 192.168.19.255.
In this example, the mask 255.255.255.128 divides the network into two subnets with their own addresses and the ability to connect up to 126 devices (hosts) in each.
How to find out the subnet mask in desktop and mobile OS
Finding out the mask is not as difficult as it may seem. This is done using the built-in tools of the operating system. Let's look at the main options.
Windows
Click the Start button and type " cmd".
Launch the command prompt.
Type the command " ipconfig" and press Enter.
Find the line titled "Local Area Connection" or "Wireless Connection".
The subnet mask will be listed in the "Subnet Mask" line.
What is the relationship between IP address and subnet mask
-
- Posts: 531
- Joined: Tue Jan 07, 2025 4:25 am