🔌 What is Subnetting? (With Easy Examples)

If you're just getting started in networking, subnetting might seem intimidating at first — but it's actually a powerful and essential concept that helps organize and secure networks.

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🧠 What is Subnetting?

Subnetting is the process of dividing a large network into smaller, more manageable sub-networks called subnets.

Think of it like breaking one big room into several smaller rooms to control access, manage space, and reduce congestion.

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📊 Why Use Subnetting?

• ✅ Efficient use of IP addresses
• 🔐 Improved network security
• 📉 Reduced network congestion
• 🔎 Easier network troubleshooting and management

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📌 Basic Subnetting Example

You have a network: 192.168.1.0/24

This gives you 256 IP addresses (from 192.168.1.0 to 192.168.1.255).

Now let’s say you want to create 4 smaller subnets.

Using subnetting /26, you can create 4 subnets:

• 192.168.1.0 – 192.168.1.63
• 192.168.1.64 – 192.168.1.127
• 192.168.1.128 – 192.168.1.191
• 192.168.1.192 – 192.168.1.255

Each subnet has:

• 64 total addresses
• 62 usable host addresses (excluding network and broadcast)

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🧮 Subnetting Formula