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ARUL SELVI ML
ARUL SELVI ML

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IP Address and Subnet

Introduction

When I first heard about IP address and subnet, I felt it is very difficult. But after learning slowly, I understood it is actually simple. In this blog, I will explain in a very basic way.

What is IP Address?

IP address is like an ID for every device on internet.

Just like every student has a register number, every device has an IP address.

Example:
192.168.1.1

So when we send data, it will go to the correct device using this IP address.

Types of IP Address

IPv4

  • Most used
  • Simple format
  • Example: 192.168.0.1

IPv6

  • New type
  • Longer address
  • Created because IPv4 is limited

What is Subnet?

Subnet means small part of a network.

Big network divided into small networks = subnet


What is Subnetting?

Subnetting means dividing one big network into smaller parts.

At first I thought it is very tough, but actually it is just splitting.

Why we need Subnetting?

  • Easy to manage network
  • Better speed
  • More security
  • No waste of IP addresses

Simple Understanding

Imagine a big classroom:

  • One teacher handling 100 students difficult

Now divide into:

  • 4 groups with 25 students easy

This is exactly subnetting

Subnet Mask

Subnet mask tells which part is network and which part is device.

Example:
IP: 192.168.1.10
Mask: 255.255.255.0

You don’t need to worry much now, just remember it helps in dividing.

Public vs Private IP

Public IP

  • Used in internet
  • Given by ISP

Private IP

  • Used inside home or college
  • Example: 192.168.x.x

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