Part-2: Subnet Mask (Network and Data Communication)

A subnet is a binary number that separates an IP address into a network portion and a host portion. It is used with an IP address to identify the network and host of a device.

Necessity of Subnet Mask:

• Subnet masks help organize large networks into smaller subnets.
• They improve how IP addresses are used.
• They make it easier to manage and secure networks.
• Subnetting can reduce network congestion and communication traffic.
• Subnetting can limit the attack surface on a network.

Figure: Subnet Mask