Subnet calculators are extremely useful for network and IT professionals. Subnetting a network means dividing an IP address into smaller pieces. This ensures network security and efficient working. The subnets are usually referred to as the subpartitions of an extensive network. The subnet mask is a network of 32-bit number masks separated into network and host addresses. It makes the connection handier and narrows down the IP address to be connected to a range of networks.
However, If you are still confused about subnetting or want to know how to use a subnet calculator, then keep on reading the article.
What is Subnetting?
Using a subnet calculator, you can divide an extensive IP network into smaller pieces to ensure security and efficient use. The subnet usually consists of a network segment and a host segment. Subnetting allows the assignment of different sub-networks to IP users without acquiring a new network via an Internet service provider (ISP). It is designed to solve internet shortage issues by dividing the network into smaller pieces. This can reduce network traffic and reduce network collisions.
What is a Subnet Mask?
The subnet mask is a 32-bit number address created by host bits. They are responsible for separating the IP address into its respective host and network address. The ‘255’ addresses a broadcast while ‘0’ is assigned to a network address. When additional sub-networking is needed, the subnet calculator divides the host element into further subnets. The purpose of the subnet mask is to enable the process efficiently. It masks the IP address with its 32-bit number coding.
How To Use a Subnet Calculator?
The subnet illustrates how an IP address is constructed. Hence, it is easier for the router to find the right device. Subnet networks are comparatively more efficient. Through subnetting, the router can quickly reach the right divide without facing collisions with other devices. There could be millions of devices connected to an extensive IP address. Hence, by dividing it using an IP subnet calculator, we have a smaller IP address which helps the router quickly find its source. Moreover, it can connect more devices and increase reach. The subnet usually consists of the host and network segments. Hence, if you are also interested in subnetting your network, you can follow these simple instructions. But before subnetting your network, you must know your IP Address, subnet mask network, and the host devices. All this can be searched using IP WHOIS Lookup.
Subnet calculation
- Open the subnet calculator tool on your browser.
- Copy your IP address (confirm whether it is IPv4 or IPv6)
- Now paste the IP address in the given box
- Click on calculate subnets
And within seconds, it will convert your IP address into simpler subnets, and you can use them for efficient work. By using the online subnet calculator, you can get the following details about your network as
- IP address
- Network mask
- CIDR
- Block size
- Broadcast
- First IP address
- Last IP address
- Network
- Prefix length
- Wild card
Classes of IP Address Network
The IP address is usually divided into its sub-networks using the subnet calculator. Every IP consists of two parts: its host and network. The IPv4 address is usually divided into four decimal numbers usually separated by periods. The host determines the devices attached to the network. While the second segment tells about the network device, it is connected to. The subnet is usually categorized into three classes.
Class A Network: It can connect millions of networks. Everything before the period refers to the network, while everything after the period indicates the devices connected to that network. For example, in IP 203.0.113.122, ‘203’ refers to the network, while the rest of the segment indicates the device.
Class B Network: They are comparatively smaller in size than Class A networks. Everything before the period indicates the divide, while the rest refers to the network connection. In Example 203.0.113.112, 203.0. indicates the network, while 113.112 refers to the connected devices.
Class C Network: They are progressively smaller in size. Everything after the third period refers to the device or the host. In example 203.0.113.112. 203.0.113 indicates the class C Network, while the rest refers to the host.
Quick Summary
Now you must know the following.
- Subnetting is the division of an extensive IP address into smaller pieces
- Subnet usually consists of two network segments, ‘host and network.’
- Host refers to the connected devices, while network means the connection
- It makes your connection secure and fasters and improves the network range
- You can avoid network collision by subnetting your IP address, and the router can efficiently find its source.
- IPv4 is divided into four decimal numbers separated by periods
- The subnet is categorized into three major classes A, B, C
- A can connect millions of networks, while B and C have a smaller range