Exam-style question
Try this first
A network administrator wants to divide a larger IP network into smaller subnets. Explain the purpose of subnetting and describe how a subnet mask identifies the network identifier for a device. Include a suitable example.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- Subnetting divides a larger network into smaller logical networks called subnets.
- This allows an IP address to be interpreted as having a network identifier part and a remaining part for the individual device within that network.
- The subnet mask indicates which bits belong to the network identifier.
- For example, with IP address 192.168.4.129 and subnet mask 255.255.255.0, the first three octets are the network part, so the network identifier is 192.168.4.0.
Explanation
Why this works
A strong answer identifies both required ideas: a network can be divided into subnets, and the subnet mask is used to determine which part of an IP address is the network identifier. The example demonstrates the process rather than merely defining the terms.
Common mistake
No common mistake is linked to this question yet.