A subnet is a sub$-$network which determines where to send data between devices based on network and host bits. By doing so$,$ it improves performance, network security and space efficiency in the assignment of IP addresses.

Purpose of Subnetting

IP address allocation: helps reduce the IP addresses affected by breaking up large networks in to smaller ones.

Better Network Functionality: Disperses broadcast domains and, as a result, increases the efficiency of network cycles.

Greater Security: Segregates network sections for efficiency, while ensuring fewer parties have access.

Easier Management: Helps in easy management and troubleshooting of the network by splitting it into smaller parts.

Explanation:

Subnetting is like splitting a large group into smaller teams. This makes it easier to manage, improves performance, and keeps things more secure$.$ Each smaller team $($subnet$)$ gets its own set of addresses, so they can work independently without causing traffic jams or security issues for the whole group.

Step $2$ of $3$

Steps to Subnet a Network

$1$: Characterize the Network Requirements: Count on how many subnets are expected to be there and what number of prison cells would you like in for each subnet

$2$: Calculate Subnet Mask: Find the new subnet mask, for which you explain how many subnets are required.

$3$: Separate the Network: Now, break down this network into smaller groupings of networks with our new subnet mask.

Step $3$ of $3$

Example Problem

Let's say we have a network with the IP address $192\mathrm{.}168\mathrm{.}1\mathrm{.}0/24,$ and we need to create $4$ subnets.

$1$: Determine the Network Requirements

Firstly, we need four subnets.

$2$: Calculate the Subnet Mask

A $/24$ network has $256$ addresses $(2^8$ addresses, from $192\mathrm{.}168\mathrm{.}1\mathrm{.}0$ to $192\mathrm{.}168\mathrm{.}1\mathrm{.}255).$

To create $4$ subnets, we need $2$ more bits for subnetting $(2^2=4).$

The original subnet mask for a $/24$ network is $255\mathrm{.}255\mathrm{.}255\mathrm{.}0.$

Adding $2$ bits for subnetting changes the subnet mask to $/26(255\mathrm{.}255\mathrm{.}255\mathrm{.}192).$

$3$: Divide the Network:

The new subnet mask is $/26,$ meaning each subnet will have $2^(8-2)=64$ addresses.

Subnet $1$: $192\mathrm{.}168\mathrm{.}1\mathrm{.}0/26($Addresses: $192\mathrm{.}168\mathrm{.}1\mathrm{.}0-192\mathrm{.}168\mathrm{.}1\mathrm{.}63)$

Subnet $2$: $192\mathrm{.}168\mathrm{.}1\mathrm{.}64/26($Addresses: $192\mathrm{.}168\mathrm{.}1\mathrm{.}64-192\mathrm{.}168\mathrm{.}1\mathrm{.}127)$

Subnet $3$: $192\mathrm{.}168\mathrm{.}1\mathrm{.}128/26($Addresses: $192\mathrm{.}168\mathrm{.}1\mathrm{.}128-192\mathrm{.}168\mathrm{.}1\mathrm{.}191)$

Subnet $4$: $192\mathrm{.}168\mathrm{.}1\mathrm{.}192/26($Addresses: $192\mathrm{.}168\mathrm{.}1\mathrm{.}192-192\mathrm{.}168\mathrm{.}1\mathrm{.}255)$

$4$: Assign Subnet Addresses:

Ensure each device in the network is configured with an IP address from the appropriate subnet and the corresponding subnet mask $(255\mathrm{.}255\mathrm{.}255\mathrm{.}192).$

Final solution

Final Answer

For the network $192\mathrm{.}168\mathrm{.}1\mathrm{.}0/24$ divided into $4$ subnets, the subnet addresses are:

$1$ : $192\mathrm{.}168\mathrm{.}1\mathrm{.}0/26($First subnet$)$

$2$: $192\mathrm{.}168\mathrm{.}1\mathrm{.}64/26($Second subnet$)$

$3$:$192\mathrm{.}168\mathrm{.}1\mathrm{.}128/26($Third subnet$)$

$4$: $192\mathrm{.}168\mathrm{.}1\mathrm{.}192/26($Fourth subnet$)$

Each subnet has $64$ addresses, with a subnet mask of $255\mathrm{.}255\mathrm{.}255\mathrm{.}192.$