Updated April 6, 2023
Introduction to Subnet
A subnet is a differentiated part of a bigger network or subnetwork. More precisely, a logical partition of an IP network into several, smaller parts of the network is subnets. The Internet Protocol (IP) is the mechanism for transmitting data over the internet from one device to another. Each device, or host, on the internet has at least one IP address as a unique identifier. Subnetting aims to establish a computer network that is fast, efficient, and resilient. The traffic flowing through them requires more efficient routes as networks grow wider and more complex. If all network traffic traveled through the network using the same route at the same time, disruptions and delays will result in slow and ineffective backlogs.
Companies can use it to distribute wide networks into smaller, more productive ones. Therefore traffic will also not have to flow along unnecessary routes in this process, boosting the speed of the network. Creating a subnet provides to limit the number of routers that must be passed through by network traffic. As part of the network prefix, IP Subnetting defines high-order bits from the host. A network is split up into different subnets by this technique. It also allows you to minimize the size of the routing tables stored in the routers. It also broadens the existing base of IP addresses and restructures the IP address.
Why do we Use Subnets?
- For big companies and other enterprises wanting to expand technologically, organizing a network in an effective manner is essential. IP addresses should be kept geographically clustered, which ensures that a subnet can be used to preserve quality and order for particular staffing structures.
- It allows optimizing efficiency in IP addressing.
- It also helps to extend the IPV4’s duration.
- By reducing collision and transmission traffic, IPV4 Subnetting reduces network traffic and thus enhances overall efficiency.
- This method allows users to implement network security policies while it is interconnected.
- It facilitates the extension of significant geographical distances.
How Subnets Work?
- IP addresses allow the components of hardware connecting to the network to be detected. There is a need to arrange the IP addresses in a logical manner to find a specific unit. That’s where subnetting succeeds as a tool for your network to help you improve performance.
- A subnet’s size depends on the criteria for access and the network devices used. It allows two devices to be connected, while a data centre subnet can be established to link many more devices. Within a network, there could be thousands of devices connected. This indicates that the corresponding IP addresses can generate a complex route that traffic has to follow.
- An IP address resembles a subnet mask, but it can only be used within an internal network. This mask helps to distinguish which part of the IP address is associated with the network and which part is associated with the host. This suggests that particular data is sent according to its destination on specific routes. A subnet mask makes a tool that allows a router to match a sub-network with an IP address.
Advantages of subnet
Given below are the advantages of subnet:
- Subnetting splits broadcast domains, which ensures that traffic is routed efficiently and speed and network performance are enhanced.
- A subnet mask maintains traffic keeps within the subnet specified by it. It decreases severe congestion and decreases the load allocated to the network. With sub-networks, data packets need to travel fewer distances, improving network efficiency.
- User should be more mindful of route maps with multiple subnets within your wider network. These will support for detection risks involved. Phones would not be able to reach the entire network with subnets; meaning organizations can decide which hardware and users have access to more sensitive data. It is possible to improve network security.
- Inside large corporations, good management is essential. This extends to the routers and network. With subnetting, businesses have total control of their data packets as well as traffic.
- Because much of the traffic of a company is intended to be routinely distributed between the same network of computers, it may decrease network traffic by putting them on the same. Without it, data packets from every other computer can be used by all computers and servers on the network.
- It improves security for networks by isolating vulnerable portions of the network and making it more difficult for trespassers to pass around a company; Subnetting enables network administrators to minimize network-wide risks.
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