simple question

[Murugs]

I understand IP address..
But whats the main purpose of this subnet mask.
and why it is mostly 255.255.255.0
shall I not make it 12.12.13.0
sorry for the simple question

regards
MP

 

[SonGoku]

Quite a good explanation here:

http://searchnetworking.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid7_gci213065,00.html

Marcos.

 

[jimbopalmer]

subnet mask shows which parts of the address are which network it is on, and which part is the address on that network


so if I am 192.168.1.113 and my gateway is 192.168.1.1 and my subnet mask is 255.255.255.0

then I do not need a router to get to anywhere on the 192.168.1 network, but will need the router to get to 192.168.2.67

if I had the subnemask 255.255.0.0 I woud be saying I do not need a router to get to 192.168.2 (to 255) but I DO need a router to get to 192.192.192.192

Routers only go off your local network if the computer asks them to, so each computer needs to know how far it can go

I tried to remain child-like, all I acheived was childish.

 

[Murugs]

thanks both of you guys for clarifying me on the simple question

regards
MP

 

[CCIEWANNABE]

The subnet mask is a number used to identify a subnetwork when an IP address is shared by multiple networks.
Subnetworks limits the number of nodes (clients, servers) that have to compete for available bandwidth to a confined geographic area.

You home address is a host address
your street is a subnet
Your zip code is a geographic area
City=area In example Class A,B,C.D
Street=subnet
House numder=host Ip address.
Routers deal with the mask portion in processing Packets. City to City etc.

All this coding improves performance and security.
Route once; switch many