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Subnetting Basics
You were defining only one network. What happens if you wanted to take one
network address and create six networks from it? You would have to do something called
subnetting
, because that’s what allows you to take one larger network and break it into a bunch of smaller
networks.
There are lots of reasons in favor of subnetting, including the following benefits:
Reduced network traffic
We all appreciate less traffic of any kind. Networks are no different.
Without trusty routers, packet traffic could grind the entire network down to a near
standstill. With routers, most traffic will stay on the local network; only packets destined for
other networks will pass through the router. Routers create broadcast domains. The more
broadcast domains you create, the smaller the broadcast domains and the less network traffic
on each network segment.
Optimized network performance
This is a result of reduced network traffic.
Simplified management
It’s easier to identify and isolate network problems in a group of
smaller connected networks than it is within one gigantic network.
Facilitated spanning of large geographical distances
Because WAN links are considerably
slower and more expensive than LAN links, a single large network that spans long distances
can create problems in every area previously listed. Connecting multiple smaller networks
makes the system more efficient.
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