can someone explain subnet masks to me?

[ForumMaster]

can someone please explain subnetting to me? how is it different when i subnet for hosts intead of networks or vice-versa? can someone please explain it to me? thank you in advance...

 

[ColKurtz]

Please clarify your question. Not sure what you mean by subnetting for hosts vs. networks.

A subnet is simply a logical division of an IP based network. If an IP address you are trying to reach is not on your local subnet, your request is passed on to a router(s) which find the correct subnet using routing protocols.

 

[BornStar]

Subnetting isn't an easy topic to explain. If you take the intro class for CCNA you will spend up to two days on handling IPs (lots of subnetting). If you can refine your question a bit maybe you'll get a bit more help.

 

[ForumMaster]

calculating a subnet mask. like if i have a network consisting of 2 sets of 5 computer connected to a switch and that connected to a router, how do i figure out the subnet mask?

 

[Atheus]

Short version - there's a 99% chance the correct subnet mask for you is 255.255.255.0

Long version - text

 

[ColKurtz]

Originally posted by: ForumMaster
how do i figure out the subnet mask?

A subnet mask isn't something to be "figured out". It's an arbitrary (assuming you're on an internal network) value that the network admin sets in order to carve up networks. It is a required piece of information used in conjunction with an IP address. You wouldn't "figure out" your IP address any more than you would figure out your mask.

 

[Zeorymer]

I'v taught customs subnetting at the college level (as well as CCNA cert) and the best website i'v found that taled about custom subnetting and subnetting in general is http://www.learntosubnet.com/ Its free online videos that teach you everything and you can buy the entire series for $20

Good luck