Chapter 5: Problem 34
Suppose that instead of using 16 bits for the network part of a class B address originally, 20 bits had been used. How many class B networks would there have been?
Short Answer
Expert verified
There would be 1,048,576 class B networks.
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the Structure of IP Address Classes
An IP address is typically divided into network and host portions. Class B addresses originally use 16 bits for the network part, meaning there are 16 bits for the host part out of the total 32 bits in an IP address.
02
Original Configuration for Class B
In the standard Class B configuration, the first 2 octets (16 bits) are used for the network portion, allowing for \(2^{16} = 65,536\) possible networks.
03
Proposed Configuration with 20 bits for Network
If 20 bits are used for the network part, this leaves 12 bits for the host part, as the IP address remains 32 bits in total.
04
Calculating the Number of Networks with 20 Bits
With 20 bits used for the network portion, the number of possible networks increases to \(2^{20} = 1,048,576\).
05
Conclusion on Class B Networks with 20-bit Network Portion
Thus, with 20 bits dedicated to the network part, there would be 1,048,576 class B networks available.
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Class B Network
The Class B network is one of the primary IP address classes used in networking. It's essential to understand how IP addresses are categorized into different classes based on the value of their first few bits. For Class B networks, the first two bits of the first octet are set to '10'. This distinguishes it from other classes like Class A, where the first bit is '0', and Class C, where the first three bits are '110'.
Typically, Class B addresses are used for medium-sized networks. Since the maximum number of networks and hosts within those networks is predetermined by the structure of the addressing class, Class B provides a balanced approach by allowing a moderate number of networks and a substantial number of hosts per network. In a standard Class B configuration, 16 bits are typically allocated for the network portion. These 16 bits allow for 65,536 possible distinct networks (calculated as \(2^{16}\)).
If the network portion is extended to 20 bits, which is a theoretical adjustment, the number of potential networks skyrockets to 1,048,576. This allows for significantly more specific network identifiers, which could be advantageous in larger organizations needing extensive subnetting without changing classes.
Typically, Class B addresses are used for medium-sized networks. Since the maximum number of networks and hosts within those networks is predetermined by the structure of the addressing class, Class B provides a balanced approach by allowing a moderate number of networks and a substantial number of hosts per network. In a standard Class B configuration, 16 bits are typically allocated for the network portion. These 16 bits allow for 65,536 possible distinct networks (calculated as \(2^{16}\)).
If the network portion is extended to 20 bits, which is a theoretical adjustment, the number of potential networks skyrockets to 1,048,576. This allows for significantly more specific network identifiers, which could be advantageous in larger organizations needing extensive subnetting without changing classes.
Network Configuration
Network configuration involves organizing and managing the IP addresses across a network environment. A crucial part of this configuration is deciding how many bits of an IP address are designated for the network versus the host. This setup dictates both how many networks can exist and how many machines (hosts) each network can accommodate.
Originally, Class B networks used a 16-bit configuration for their network portion. This would leave the remaining bits (16, since a standard IP address is 32 bits) for the host portion. By adjusting these bits used for each portion, network administrators can tailor the setup to meet specific needs.
Using 20 bits for the network portion of a Class B address, as speculated in the exercise, changes the configuration markedly. It increases the network address space, making it possible to have over a million Class B networks, helping to distribute resources appropriately based on the size and specific needs of each network. This configuration strategy can be critical for efficiently managing larger network architectures and ensuring resilience and adaptability within different IT environments.
Originally, Class B networks used a 16-bit configuration for their network portion. This would leave the remaining bits (16, since a standard IP address is 32 bits) for the host portion. By adjusting these bits used for each portion, network administrators can tailor the setup to meet specific needs.
Using 20 bits for the network portion of a Class B address, as speculated in the exercise, changes the configuration markedly. It increases the network address space, making it possible to have over a million Class B networks, helping to distribute resources appropriately based on the size and specific needs of each network. This configuration strategy can be critical for efficiently managing larger network architectures and ensuring resilience and adaptability within different IT environments.
Network and Host Portions
In the realm of IP addressing, each IP address is divided into two main sections: the network portion and the host portion. This division is fundamental to organizing and routing data across networks effectively.
The network portion of an IP address identifies the "network" on which a machine exists. For a Class B network, this portion is traditionally 16 bits, indicating the specific network among many within the broader internet landscape. This concept is akin to having a street name in an address, where multiple houses (or hosts) reside.
The host portion, on the other hand, distinguishes individual machines or devices on the same network. In general, Class B configurations offer 16 bits for hosts, allowing up to 65,536 individual devices or endpoints within the same network.
When the configuration is altered to use 20 bits for the network portion, as the exercise explores, the host portion shrinks to 12 bits. This limitation reduces the maximum number of hosts per network to 4,096. However, it significantly boosts network granularity by providing more distinct network identities. This flexibility is essential for scaling large networks while maintaining efficient address distribution and enhancing network management simplicity.
The network portion of an IP address identifies the "network" on which a machine exists. For a Class B network, this portion is traditionally 16 bits, indicating the specific network among many within the broader internet landscape. This concept is akin to having a street name in an address, where multiple houses (or hosts) reside.
The host portion, on the other hand, distinguishes individual machines or devices on the same network. In general, Class B configurations offer 16 bits for hosts, allowing up to 65,536 individual devices or endpoints within the same network.
When the configuration is altered to use 20 bits for the network portion, as the exercise explores, the host portion shrinks to 12 bits. This limitation reduces the maximum number of hosts per network to 4,096. However, it significantly boosts network granularity by providing more distinct network identities. This flexibility is essential for scaling large networks while maintaining efficient address distribution and enhancing network management simplicity.
