Creation of two or more sub-sections that are visible logically using a single IP network is referred to as Subnetting. It results in the changed local network’s subnet mask. The local network number is able to produce further smaller network numbers in even figure. Each of the networks has a corresponding range of IP addressed.

The modification of an Internet Protocol network into many small logical IP networks is subnets. This technique is used to divide the space of an address of address prefix and allocate them among the subnets of the network of the organization. This is a good option because generally the prefixes are known to be efficient as they do not waste many possible addresses that are made available for different assignments and projects within an organization to the subnets.

When is subnetting necessary?

Subnetting becomes a necessity when single network number has to be assigned to multiple segments of LAN. This can become a possibility when:

• There are two or more than two types of LAN technologies being used on the network (such as Token Ring or Ethernet being used on the same network).

• The LAN segments are required to be localized for purposes of network management (for example, sales segment, accounting segment, etc.).

• There maybe a network host which dominates a major part of the bandwidth and therefore needs to be isolated.

The Advantages and Disadvantages

You will be allowed much more flexibility in the segment layout in case if you had assigned IP addresses on your work stations before you decided to subnet. Network management can be made more efficient and easier with subnetting. Not only is it easier in use but the troubleshooting also becomes way faster.

However, it is important to remember that to bring the total number of IP addresses available to you for use will require you to purchase some hardware such as a router.

How Subnetting works?

An IP address is divided into 4 different sections of 8 bits. Initially an IP address consists of 32 numbers. Each set of 8 bits is then converted to decimal or binary forms. It is made readable by using dots separating them. Further this address may be split into host portion or a network.

For a certain network the portion of network is always fixed. However, the other remaining bits that contribute in making the host portion may be altered before assigning to the individual hosts.

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