A network mask is a reliable helper for building networks

In the last few decades, network technologies are actively developing . Since the formation of the global Internet network, a large number of smaller local networks and individual users have connected to its resources. In this regard, there was an urgent need to describe the clear addressing of all nodes of the network. A solution was found.

The TCP / IP model is a four-level structure. Each of these levels is responsible for its functions, but one of the most important tasks is addressing in the network. For this purpose, use the IP address of the fourth version, which is a number consisting of thirty two bits. It clearly identifies the network in which a particular host resides, as well as, directly, the host address. Obviously, the number of these addresses is strictly limited.

To properly address the equipment, you need to know clearly where the address is the network, and where the host is. This mission is taken over by the network mask, which greatly simplifies the operation of a large number of different network equipment, both passive and active.

The network mask clearly defines how many bits are related to the network address, and which is to the host address. This technology allows you to significantly increase the amount of possible addresses, in comparison with the technology of clear subnetting into classes. Also, this avoids any conflict situations that arise if the same addresses are found.

The network mask allows you to divide large networks into smaller ones, which in turn are broken down into smaller ones and so on, until thirty digits pass. But with the increase in the number of networks, the number of hosts decreases. Therefore, using this technology, you must carefully consider the number of addresses you need for hosts.

Typically, the mask is set at a number from nine to thirty. This number indicates the number of characters in the binary address code that is responsible for the network address. So, for example, for the address 193.29.204.19, if it has a network mask 24, the network address will be 193.29.204.0, and the addresses of the hosts are 193.29.204.1-254 (since the address 193.29.204.255 is broadcast).

In order to determine all this, it is necessary to calculate the subnet mask according to certain rules. In the above example, this process took place as follows. So, first you need to translate the address into a binary system of calculation. But you need to do this in such a way that you have four octets. Missing numbers must be replaced with zeros before the number. Further, the given mask of the network, or rather its number, is written in the form of successive units in the amount corresponding to this number. It is more convenient to do this clearly under the address itself, the figure in the figure. Next, we mark the address with a dash when the mask ends with 1 and zeros begin. And we get: to the left - the address of the subnet, to the right - the address of the host. We translate back to a more familiar decimal form. That's all.

This task is not at all difficult, but very useful in constructing branched networks of large scale. A network mask can become a reliable helper for building a clear hierarchical and orderly structure.