Subnetting is a fundamental concept in networking, and it is essential for novice network administrators to have a firm grasp of the subject. Proper understanding of subnetting can help you manage your network efficiently and ensure that it remains secure. In this guide, we will cover the ABCs of subnetting and provide you with everything you need to know to get started.
What is Subnetting?
Subnetting is the process of dividing a larger network into smaller subnetworks or subnets. It is usually done to better manage network traffic and improve network performance. Subnetting also helps network administrators with security issues by separating different groups of devices into different subnets, so that if one device in one subnet gets hit with a security breach, it does not affect other subnets in the network.
Why is Subnetting Important?
Subnetting is essential for network administrators due to it’s many benefits. Without subnetting, we lose the ability to optimize and efficiently manage network traffic. It provides a more organized and cohesive approach to designing and setting up a network, regardless of its size or scale. Subnetting provides a more in-depth look into the devices within the network and allows administrators to leverage tools, such as different routing configurations, to better manage the traffic. The ability to manage and troubleshoot connections to subnets offers a much higher level of control and a more efficient process.
How Does Subnetting Work?
Subnetting works by dividing a network into smaller segments, or subnets, by creating what we call a subnet mask. Subnet masks determine the size of each subnet and help to identify the network and host portions of an IP address. By creating a subnet mask, network administrators can divide an IP address space into smaller subnetworks and use routing protocols to direct traffic between subnets as needed.
The subnet mask is represented in the form of 4 octets (32 bits) that separate the network ID and the host ID. The value of the subnet mask sets the number of bits allocated to the network ID, which is then subtracted from the total number of bits available to determine the number of bits allocated to the host ID. For example, a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0, provides 24 bits for the network ID and 8 bits for the host ID. This can support up to 254 devices per unique subnet.
The process of subnetting can sometimes seem complex, however, it is important to note that you can delegate the task to a subnetting calculator or use an online tool. Once you have allocated your IP addresses and created your subnet mask, you can properly set up your network infrastructure, for example, by configuring routers for different subnets, configuring VLANs, or by setting up different security policies for each subnet.
Conclusion
Subnetting is an essential concept for novice network administrators to master. It allows you to better manage your network traffic and improve network performance, while enhancing your security by separating different groups of devices into different subnets. With a better understanding of subnetting, you can effectively manage your network infrastructure and ensure that it remains secure. I hope this guide provides you with a solid understanding of the ABC’s of subnetting, allowing you to implement this crucial networking skill in your daily tasks as an administrator.