Subnetting in Networking with real world example

Subnetting in Networking:

Subnetting is a process of dividing a larger network into smaller sub-networks, known as subnets. This process is performed to improve network performance, enhance security and to make it easier to manage and allocate resources. In this blog, we’ll cover the basics of subnetting, including why and how it’s used in computer networking.

Why use subnetting?

Subnetting helps to overcome the limitations of a single network by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable subnets. This allows for a more efficient use of available IP addresses, improves network performance and increases security. Additionally, subnetting makes it easier to manage network resources, such as routers, switches, and firewalls.

How does subnetting work?

To create a subnet, a portion of the available bits in an IP address are used to identify the network address, while the remaining bits are used to identify individual hosts within that network. This is done by dividing the IP address into two parts: the network ID and the host ID. The network ID is used to identify the subnet, while the host ID is used to identify the individual host within that subnet.

For example, a class C IP address has 24 bits available for the network address and 8 bits available for the host address. To create a subnet, some of the host address bits are borrowed and used to extend the network address. This allows for multiple subnets to be created within a single network.

Benefits of subnetting:

• Improved network performance: Subnetting allows for the creation of smaller, more efficient networks, which results in improved network performance and reduced network traffic.
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• Enhanced security: Subnets can be used to isolate network segments, which helps to improve security and reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
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• Better resource management: Subnets make it easier to manage network resources, such as routers, switches, and firewalls. This allows for more efficient allocation of these resources and helps to reduce costs.

In conclusion, subnetting is a valuable tool for network administrators and IT professionals. By dividing a large network into smaller subnets, it allows for improved network performance, enhanced security, and better resource management. Whether you’re new to networking or an experienced professional, understanding the basics of subnetting is essential to managing your network effectively.

Real World Example:

A real-world example of subnetting in networks would be a company network with multiple departments. Let's say the company has a Class C network with IP address 192.168.1.0/24. The IT administrator wants to create separate subnets for each department such as accounting, human resources, and sales.

They could create subnets by using a subnet mask of 255.255.255.224, which would give them 8 subnets with 32 addresses each.

For example, the subnets could be:

Accounting: 192.168.1.0/27 (192.168.1.0 - 192.168.1.31)

Human Resources: 192.168.1.32/27 (192.168.1.32 - 192.168.1.63)

Sales: 192.168.1.64/27 (192.168.1.64 - 192.168.1.95)

This way, each department would have its own subnet with a unique range of IP addresses and the IT administrator could better manage and secure the network.