Introduction
Subnetting and Supernetting are core concepts of Computer Networks. These two concepts allow for the efficient and proper utilization of a computer network by prioritizing optimal usage of given IP addresses.
These two concepts are very important because they allow for the reduction of the congestion and traffic that a particular Computer Network faces. They are used to divide larger network segments into smaller subnetworks or to combine multiple smaller network segments into larger ones, respectively. Both techniques have several benefits that can help improve network performance, including reducing latency and improving overall network efficiency.
In this article, we are going to discuss some key differentiating factors between Subnetting and Supernetting. Although both are important Networking concepts, they have vastly different use case scenarios.
What is Subnetting?
Subnetting is the process of dividing a large single network into smaller subnetworks or subnets.
Subnetting is very important because of the many advantages it offers, like reduced latency, enhanced network security, and better allocation of IP addresses.
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Subnetting offers lower latency because as the network gets divided into smaller sub-networks, subnetting helps to reduce the amount of network traffic by dividing an extensive network into smaller subnets which reduces the time to handle each request.
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By dividing a network into subnets, network administrators can isolate different departments or groups of users from each other, which can help to improve network security.
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By dividing the network into different sub-networks for different purposes, we can efficiently allocate the Ip addresses that are at our disposal.
To subnet a network is to create logical divisions of the network. Subnetting, therefore, involves dividing the network into smaller portions called subnets.
A subnet is a subnetwork of a network that falls within the class A, B, or C range.
The number of addresses in classes A, B, and C are as follows.
- Class A: 16777216 addresses in total.
- Class B: 65536 addresses in total.
- Class C: 256 addresses in total.
What are the different classes A, B, and C?
There are different types of classes A, B, and C. Let us discuss them one by one:
Class A
This class is used for very large networks, such as those used by large corporations or the government. The first octet of a Class A address is used to identify the network, while the remaining three octets are used to identify the individual devices on that network. The subnet mask for Class A is 255.0.0.0, which allows for up to 126 networks and 16,777,214 hosts per network.
Class B
This class is used for medium-sized networks, such as those used by universities or large businesses. The first two octets of a Class B address are used to identify the network, while the remaining two are used to identify the individual devices on that network. The subnet mask for Class B is 255.255.0.0, which allows for up to 16,384 networks and 65,534 hosts per network.
Class C
This class is used for small networks, such as those used by small businesses or home networks. The first three octets of a Class C address are used to identify the network, while the remaining octet is used to identify the individual devices on that network. The subnet mask for Class C is 255.255.255.0, which allows for up to 2,097,152 networks and 254 hosts per network.
How is Subnetting done?
Think of it like having a big apartment building with many apartments. Instead of having everyone share the same address, each apartment gets its own unique address. This way, it's easier to keep track of who is where and what they're doing.
In subnetting, we use a special number called a subnet mask to determine which part of an IP address belongs to the network and which part belongs to the device. We can adjust this subnet mask to create different sized subnets.
For example, if we have a network with 10.0.0.0 as the network address, we can use a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0 to create 256 subnets, each with up to 254 devices. This means we can have up to 256 different smaller networks, and each network can have up to 254 devices connected to it.
Advantages of subnetting
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Efficient IP Address Utilization: Subnetting allows for more efficient allocation and utilization of IP addresses by dividing a larger network into smaller, manageable segments.
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Improved Network Performance: Smaller subnets can reduce broadcast traffic, leading to better network performance and lower congestion.
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Enhanced Security: Subnetting enables the isolation of different segments of a network, enhancing security by restricting access to sensitive data.
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Simplified Network Management: Subnetting simplifies network management by organizing devices into logical groups, making it easier to troubleshoot and administer.
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Scalability: Subnetting facilitates network growth and scalability by allowing the addition of new subnets as needed without major reconfigurations.
Disadvantages of subnetting
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Complexity: Subnetting can be complex to design and implement, particularly for those with limited networking experience.
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Increased Administrative Overhead: Managing multiple subnets may require more administrative effort in terms of IP address assignment and routing configuration.
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Potential for Misconfiguration: Misconfigurations in subnetting can lead to connectivity issues and security vulnerabilities if not carefully planned and executed.
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Overhead: Smaller subnets can introduce additional overhead in terms of routing tables and administrative tasks.
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Learning Curve: Network administrators and engineers may need to invest time in learning and understanding subnetting concepts and best practices.
Also read about - Network layer