what is subnet mask in simple way in networking?

Answer 1

Hello there!

A subnet mask, in simple terms, is like a filter to direct and controll traffic on the internet. It can also be used as an identifier to help pin point a location.

Since the packets on the internet can travel all over the place, dividing segments into smaller ranges allows a lot of control over the traffic paths that packets can travel. Subnets can and are used for this purpose.

A subnet mask is really a simple thing to understand. It can block unnecessary traffic, and allow all needed traffic to flow freely.

It is based on BINARY and implemented on Routers and Switches.

Since one of the most popular forms of networks, in the beginning was Ethernet, and Ethernet is a broadcast type of transmission, the web or local network could get flooded with traffic that it didn't need. With the implementation of Subnet Masks, this allowed routers to find and use a type of map that would direct traffic only where it needed to go. This keeps the flow of traffic under control and allows faster communication in general.

Think of all the subnets like highway exits and every packet gets directed to the exit it needs to travel on, rather than every packet just going everywhere on the highway.

Subnets can also be used to provide GREAT security by only allowing in the traffic that is supposed to be on that branch of a network.

There are different classes of Network Addresses with different configurations that are possible with each class.

If you want to know more about Subnets, just ask me!

Connie111

Answer 2

It's the number that describes how big your network is.

Answer 3

it is have 5 level and it start from 0.0.0.0 to 255.255.255.255

Answer 4

this link is helpful.. just skip the part about subnetwork.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subnet_mask

Answer 5

255.255.255.255. for more detail read ferouzen. (computer networks)

Answer 6

255.255.255.0