Network Class Addresses in IPv4 Network class addresses categorize IPv4 addresses into Class A, B, C, D, and E based on the leading bits of the first octet. This classification determines the default division between the network and host portions of the address, influencing subnet masks and network size. First octet range : 0.0.0.0 to 127.255.255.255. Leading bits : 0 (first bit is 0). Subnet Mask : 255.0.0.0 (CIDR /8). Use : Large networks. The first octet is the network ID, and the remaining three octets (24 bits) support ~16 million hosts per network
Class B : First octet range : 128.0.0.0 to 191.255.255.255. Leading bits : 10 (first two bits). Subnet Mask : 255.255.0.0 (CIDR /16). Use : Medium networks. The first two octets (16 bits) define the network, allowing ~65,000 hosts per network. Class C : First octet range : 192.0.0.0 to 223.255.255.255. Leading bits : 110 (first three bits). Subnet Mask : 255.255.255.0 (CIDR /24). Use : Small networks. The first three octets (24 bits) are the network ID, supporting 254 hosts per network.
Class D : Range : 224.0.0.0 to 239.255.255.255. Purpose : Reserved for multicast groups (e.g., streaming video). Class E : Range : 240.0.0.0 to 255.255.255.255. Purpose : Experimental/reserved use Private Address Ranges: Class A : 10.0.0.0/8. Class B : 172.16.0.0/12 (subnets 172.16.0.0 to 172.31.0.0). Class C : 192.168.0.0/16
Limitations of Classful Addressing: Inefficiency : Fixed subnet masks led to wasted addresses (e.g., a Class B network for 1,000 hosts wastes ~64,000 addresses). Modern Replacement : CIDR (Classless Inter-Domain Routing) introduced in 1993, enabling variable-length subnet masks (VLSM) for flexible allocation . While network classes laid the foundation for IPv4 addressing, CIDR and classless addressing are now standard for efficient IP allocation. Understanding classes remains crucial for legacy systems and foundational networking concepts.
CIDR (Classless Inter-Domain Routing) CIDR (Classless Inter-Domain Routing) introduced in 1993, enabling variable-length subnet masks (VLSM) for flexible allocation. is a method for allocating IP addresses and IP routing that improves upon the traditional class-based system. Introduced in 1993, it allows for more efficient use of IP address space . Benefits: Efficient IP Address Utilization : Reduces waste of IP addresses by allowing networks to be sized according to actual needs. Simplified Routing : Reduces the number of routes that routers need to handle, improving performance and efficiency. Scalability : Supports the growth of networks without the constraints of traditional classful addressing.
To subnet the Class C address 192.168.10.0/24 into smaller subnets for 8 hosts , 23 hosts , and 9 hosts , we’ll use VLSM (Variable-Length Subnet Masking) to minimize wasted IP space. Here’s the optimized allocation : Subnet Required Hosts Host Bits Needed Subnet Mask Addresses per Subnet Subnet1 23 5 bits (2⁵−2=30) /27 32 addresses Subnet2 9 4 bits (2⁴−2=14) /28 16 addresses Subnet3 8 4 bits (2⁴−2=14) /28 16 addresses Step 1: Determine Host Requirements
Step 2: Subnet Allocation 1. Subnet1: 23 Hosts (Largest Requirement) Network Address : 192.168.10.0/27 Subnet Mask : 255.255.255.224 (CIDR /27) Usable Host Range : 192.168.10.1 to 192.168.10.30 Broadcast Address : 192.168.10.31 Total Addresses : 32 (30 usable hosts 2.Subnet2: 9 Hosts Next Available Block : Starts at 192.168.10.32 Network Address : 192.168.10.32/28 Subnet Mask : 255.255.255.240 (CIDR /28) Usable Host Range : 192.168.10.33 to 192.168.10.46 Broadcast Address : 192.168.10.47 Total Addresses : 16 (14 usable hosts ).
3. Subnet3: 8 Hosts Next Available Block : Starts at 192.168.10.48 Network Address : 192.168.10.48/28 Subnet Mask : 255.255.255.240 (CIDR /28) Usable Host Range : 192.168.10.49 to 192.168.10.62 Broadcast Address : 192.168.10.63 Total Addresses : 16 (14 usable hosts).