Part-1: Subnetting and Supernetting (Network and Data Communication)

Subnetting is the process of dividing a large network into smaller subnetworks. This allows for better management of the network, improved performance, and more efficient use of IP addresses.

Subnetting is necessary because it improves network security, performance, and efficiency. 

Improved network security

• Subnetting allows network administrators to control traffic flow.
• It helps identify threats, shut down entry points, and respond to them.
• Subnetting helps quarantine compromised sections of the network.

Improved network performance

• Subnetting divides a network's broadcast domains, which allows for better traffic flow control.
• It helps keep information in the subnetted network, freeing up other subnets.

Improved network efficiency

• Subnetting ensures that IP addresses are used efficiently.
• It narrows down the IP address to usage within a range of devices.

Network growth control

• Subnetting enables network administrators to control the growth of their network.

Figure: Subnetting

Subnetting	Supernetting
Subnetting is the procedure to divide the network into sub-networks.	While supernetting  the procedure of combining small networks.
In subnetting, network addresses’ bits are increased.	While in supernetting, host addresses’ bits are increased.
In subnetting, the mask bits are moved towards the right.	While in supernetting, the mask bits are moved towards the left.
Subnetting is implemented via Variable-length subnet masking.	While supernetting is implemented via Classless interdomain routing.
In subnetting, Address depletion is reduced or removed.	While it is used for simplifying the routing process.