Master Network Subnetting: Unlocking IP Classes Through the ProITHub Example 🌍

Understanding subnetting is crucial for network design and management. This guide will delve deeply into the concept of subnetting across all IP classes—A, B, and C—providing step-by-step instructions and concrete examples, including a fictional company called Proithub. By the end, you’ll have a solid grasp of how to subnet effectively, regardless of the IP class you’re dealing with.

What is Subnetting? 🕸️

Subnetting is the process of dividing a larger network into smaller, more manageable subnetworks (subnets). This segmentation enhances network performance and security. Each subnet functions as an independent sub-network, which can simplify configurations and facilitate better management practices.

IP Classes Overview

Before diving into subnetting, let’s briefly go over the primary IP address classes and their attributes:

• Class A:
  • Range: 0.0.0.0 to 127.255.255.255
  • Default Subnet Mask: 255.0.0.0 (/8)
  • Supports 16 million hosts.
• Class B:
  • Range: 128.0.0.0 to 191.255.255.255
  • Default Subnet Mask: 255.255.0.0 (/16)
  • Supports 65,000 hosts.
• Class C:
  • Range: 192.0.0.0 to 223.255.255.255
  • Default Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0 (/24)
  • Supports 254 hosts.

Proithub Company Example

To illustrate subnetting, we’ll use Proithub, a fictional tech company that requires efficient IP allocation for its network. Proithub has decided to implement subnetting to manage its network effectively better.

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Class A Example: Proithub’s Global Network 🌐

Let’s assume Proithub has been allocated the Class A IP address 10.0.0.0/8 and needs to create 16 subnets.

Step 1: Determine the Number of Subnets

• Formula: (2^n ≥ \text{number of subnets required})
• Here, Proithub needs 16 subnets:
  • (2^n ≥ 16)
  • (n = 4) (since (2^4 = 16))

Step 2: Determine Number of Hosts Per Subnet

• Formula: (2^h – 2 ≥ \text{number of hosts required})
• Default Class A subnet mask is /8, leaving 24 bits for hosts:
  • For instance, if Proithub wants a minimum of 2,000 hosts:
  • (2^h – 2 ≥ 2000)
  • (h = 11) (since (2^{11} – 2 = 2046))

Step 3: New Subnet Mask

Starting with a /8 subnet mask and borrowing 4 bits for subnetting, the new mask becomes /12 (255.240.0.0).

Step 4: Calculate Subnets

Proithub’s network will be divided as follows:

• Subnets:
  1. 10.0.0.0/12 (available hosts: 10.0.0.1 – 10.15.255.254)
  2. 10.16.0.0/12 (available hosts: 10.16.0.1 – 10.31.255.254)
  3. 10.32.0.0/12 (available hosts: 10.32.0.1 – 10.47.255.254)
  4. 10.48.0.0/12 (available hosts: 10.48.0.1 – 10.63.255.254)
  5. 10.64.0.0/12 (available hosts: 10.64.0.1 – 10.79.255.254)
  6. 10.80.0.0/12 (available hosts: 10.80.0.1 – 10.95.255.254)
  7. 10.96.0.0/12 (available hosts: 10.96.0.1 – 10.111.255.254)
  8. 10.112.0.0/12 (available hosts: 10.112.0.1 – 10.127.255.254)
  9. 10.128.0.0/12 (available hosts: 10.128.0.1 – 10.143.255.254)
  10. 10.144.0.0/12 (available hosts: 10.144.0.1 – 10.159.255.254)
  11. 10.160.0.0/12 (available hosts: 10.160.0.1 – 10.175.255.254)
  12. 10.176.0.0/12 (available hosts: 10.176.0.1 – 10.191.255.254)
  13. 10.192.0.0/12 (available hosts: 10.192.0.1 – 10.207.255.254)
  14. 10.208.0.0/12 (available hosts: 10.208.0.1 – 10.223.255.254)
  15. 10.224.0.0/12 (available hosts: 10.224.0.1 – 10.239.255.254)
  16. 10.240.0.0/12 (available hosts: 10.240.0.1 – 10.255.255.254)

Each subnet can accommodate over 4,000 hosts, well within Proithub’s needs!

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Class B Example: Proithub’s Regional Offices 🌍

Now, let’s say Proithub has been allocated 172.16.0.0/16 and wants to create 8 subnets, each capable of supporting at least 200 hosts.

Step 1: Determine the Number of Subnets

• Formula: (2^n ≥ \text{number of subnets required})
• Here, Proithub needs 8 subnets:
  • (2^n ≥ 8)
  • (n = 3) (since (2^3 = 8))

Step 2: Determine Number of Hosts Per Subnet

• Proithub needs at least 200 hosts:
  • (2^h – 2 ≥ 200)
  • (h = 8) (since (2^8 – 2 = 254))

Step 3: New Subnet Mask

Starting with a /16 subnet mask and borrowing 3 bits for subnetting, the new subnet mask becomes /19 (255.255.224.0).

Step 4: Calculate Subnets

Proithub’s Class B subnetting results will be:

• Subnets:
  1. 172.16.0.0/19 (available hosts: 172.16.0.1 – 172.16.31.254)
  2. 172.16.32.0/19 (available hosts: 172.16.32.1 – 172.16.63.254)
  3. 172.16.64.0/19 (available hosts: 172.16.64.1 – 172.16.95.254)
  4. 172.16.96.0/19 (available hosts: 172.16.96.1 – 172.16.127.254)
  5. 172.16.128.0/19 (available hosts: 172.16.128.1 – 172.16.159.254)
  6. 172.16.160.0/19 (available hosts: 172.16.160.1 – 172.16.191.254)
  7. 172.16.192.0/19 (available hosts: 172.16.192.1 – 172.16.223.254)
  8. 172.16.224.0/19 (available hosts: 172.16.224.1 – 172.16.255.254)

Each subnet can accommodate up to 254 hosts, aligning perfectly with Proithub’s requirements!

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Class C Example: Proithub’s Department Networks 📁

Finally, let’s examine Proithub’s Class C network allocation of 192.168.1.0/24 to create 4 subnets, each with at least 30 hosts.

Step 1: Determine the Number of Subnets

• Formula: (2^n ≥ \text{number of subnets required})
• Proithub requires 4 subnets:
  • (2^n ≥ 4)
  • (n = 2) (since (2^2 = 4))

Step 2: Determine Number of Hosts Per Subnet

• Proithub needs at least 30 hosts:
  • (2^h – 2 ≥ 30)
  • (h = 5) (since (2^5 – 2 = 30))

Step 3: New Subnet Mask

Starting with a /24 subnet mask and borrowing 2 bits for subnetting, the new subnet mask becomes /26 (255.255.255.192).

Step 4: Calculate Subnets

Proithub’s Class C subnetting results will be:

• Subnets:
  1. 192.168.1.0/26 (available hosts: 192.168.1.1 – 192.168.1.62, broadcast: 192.168.1.63)
  2. 192.168.1.64/26 (available hosts: 192.168.1.65 – 192.168.1.126, broadcast: 192.168.1.127)
  3. 192.168.1.128/26 (available hosts: 192.168.1.129 – 192.168.1.190, broadcast: 192.168.1.191)
  4. 192.168.1.192/26 (available hosts: 192.168.1.193 – 192.168.1.254, broadcast: 192.168.1.255)

Each subnet can accommodate up to 62 hosts, allowing Proithub to easily manage its departmental networks.

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Summary of Subnetting for Proithub

In this blog, we’ve explored subnetting across all IP classes—A, B, and C—using the Proithub example. We went through detailed calculations to determine subnet mask changes, the number of available hosts, and practical implementations for each class.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding classes and default subnet masks is crucial for effective IP management.
• Subnetting helps optimize network performance and improves security by separating traffic logically.
• Each example provides clear calculations and layouts for Proithub’s needs, showcasing how subnetting can effectively structure a network.

With these insights and examples, you are now equipped to tackle subnetting challenges in your own network environments! Have you learned something new from our blog? Or do you have any doubts? Let’s learn together! Comment below with your thoughts or questions, and we’ll explore the world of networking further! Happy subnetting! 🌐✨