SUBNET MASK Meaning and
Definition
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A subnet mask, in the context of computer networking, is a numeric code that is used to divide an IP address into network and host addresses. It is a 32-bit value comprising a sequence of ones followed by a sequence of zeros. A subnet mask is associated with an IP address to determine the size of the network and the number of available hosts within that network.
The purpose of a subnet mask is to identify the network portion of an IP address, allowing routers and other networking devices to accurately forward data packets. By using a subnet mask, it becomes possible for multiple networks to coexist within a single IP address space.
When an IP address is combined with its corresponding subnet mask, a logical AND operation is performed between the address and the mask. The result is the network address, which is used to decide if a destination IP address is on the same network or needs to be routed to a different network.
Subnet masks are represented in decimal notation, commonly seen in the form of four numbers separated by periods, such as 255.255.255.0. Each number represents eight bits, with the ones corresponding to the network part and the zeros representing the host part. Various subnet masks can be employed depending on the number of hosts required and the desired network size.
Common Misspellings for SUBNET MASK
- aubnet mask
- zubnet mask
- xubnet mask
- dubnet mask
- eubnet mask
- wubnet mask
- sybnet mask
- shbnet mask
- sjbnet mask
- sibnet mask
- s8bnet mask
- s7bnet mask
- suvnet mask
- sunnet mask
- suhnet mask
- sugnet mask
- subbet mask
- submet mask
- subjet mask
- subhet mask
Etymology of SUBNET MASK
The word "subnet mask" is composed of two parts: "subnet" and "mask".
The term "subnet" is an abbreviation of "subnetwork", which refers to a smaller division of a larger network. It is derived from the combination of the prefix "sub-", meaning "under" or "below", and "network".
The term "mask" in this context refers to a pattern of bits used to determine the network and host portions of an IP address. It is derived from the Middle English word "masken", which means to disguise or cover.
Therefore, the etymology of "subnet mask" essentially represents a pattern used to identify the network and host portions of an IP address within a smaller division of a larger network.
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