When preparing for networking certifications such as CompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA, or similar industry-recognized exams, one of the key concepts you’ll encounter is subnetting. A commonly asked question that tests both your theoretical understanding and practical skills is: “How many subnets are needed for the following topology?” Understanding this question and how to approach it is vital for anyone looking to pass networking exams with confidence.
Whether you're using DumpsQueen Official's trusted Exam Prep Dumps and Study Guide material or practicing with mock exams, subnetting is a recurring theme that appears in nearly every syllabus.
Let’s dive into the details, break down what this question means, how to analyze a network topology, and how to accurately determine the number of required subnets.
Understanding the Question: What Does "How Many Subnets Are Needed for the Following Topology?" Mean?
At its core, this question requires you to:
- Analyze a given network topology
- Determine the number of different logical segments (subnets) required
- Evaluate host requirements and routing necessities
A topology refers to the arrangement of different elements (links, nodes, devices) in a network. Whether it’s star, mesh, ring, or hybrid, the physical layout is different from how the network is logically segmented. Subnets define these logical segments.
When asked "how many subnets are needed for the following topology?", you’re being tested on your ability to translate a network diagram or description into a subnetting plan.
Why Subnetting Matters in Network Design
Subnetting helps in:
- Efficient use of IP address space
- Enhancing network security
- Minimizing network traffic
- Simplifying management and troubleshooting
For exam purposes, you’re expected to determine subnet requirements based on several factors such as the number of departments, types of connections, and host devices.
Common Scenarios Where Subnetting Is Needed
Let’s look at some sample scenarios that are often found in Exam Prep Dumps and Study Guide material on DumpsQueen:
Scenario 1: Corporate Office with 4 Departments
You are given a network topology with the following departments:
- HR
- IT
- Sales
- Finance
Each department needs its own broadcast domain for security and traffic management. You would need 4 subnets in this case.
Scenario 2: Head Office Connected to 3 Branches
The topology shows:
- One head office
- Three remote branches Each connection between the head office and a branch is a point-to-point WAN link. In this setup, each WAN link also needs its own subnet. You’ll need:
- 1 subnet for Head Office LAN
- 3 subnets for each point-to-point WAN link That totals 4 subnets.
Scenario 3: VLSM-Based Network with Various Host Requirements
Let’s say a topology includes:
- Department A: Needs 50 hosts
- Department B: Needs 20 hosts
- Department C: Needs 5 hosts
- Inter-router links: 2
In this case, you’ll need:
- 1 subnet for Department A
- 1 for Department B
- 1 for Department C
- 2 subnets for inter-router links
Total = 5 subnets, possibly more if more departments or devices are involved.
How to Answer Subnet Questions in Exams
When faced with the question, "how many subnets are needed for the following topology?" follow these steps:
- Identify all broadcast domains – Typically, each department or VLAN is a separate domain.
- Count point-to-point connections – Each requires a unique subnet.
- Account for scalability – Will there be future growth that needs additional subnets?
- Determine host requirements – Each subnet must support the number of hosts in its segment.
- Apply VLSM if allowed – Variable Length Subnet Masking enables subnetting based on host needs.
IP Address Planning Based on Subnets
Once you know how many subnets are needed, the next step is choosing the appropriate IP addressing scheme. For example:
If you’re using a Class C network (192.168.1.0/24) and you need 4 subnets, you would:
- Borrow 2 bits from the host portion (2² = 4 subnets)
- Your new subnet mask becomes 255.255.255.192 or /26
- Each subnet will support 62 usable hosts
Subnetting is not just theoretical. It’s the backbone of efficient network design.
Sample Topology Breakdown: Step-by-Step Subnet Calculation
Let’s say you’re presented with a network that includes:
- 1 Main Office
- 2 Remote Branches
- Each office with its own LAN
- All connected through individual routers
Breakdown:
- Subnet 1: Main Office LAN
- Subnet 2: Branch 1 LAN
- Subnet 3: Branch 2 LAN
- Subnet 4: Router-to-Router link between Main and Branch 1
- Subnet 5: Router-to-Router link between Main and Branch 2
Answer: 5 subnets are needed
This is the kind of logic you’ll apply when using DumpsQueen’s Exam Prep Dumps and Study Guide material.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overlooking WAN links: These always require separate subnets.
- Confusing VLANs with Subnets: Though often aligned, not all VLANs are subnets.
- Not accounting for growth: In real-world and exam scenarios, planning for scalability is key.
Tools to Help with Subnetting
- Subnet calculators: Great for verification but not allowed in exams.
- CIDR charts: Know these well for quick calculations.
- Binary math practice: Helps understand how bits are borrowed from the host portion.
Practice Makes Perfect
To master subnetting, you need practice. Here are 3-4 multiple choice questions that simulate real exam scenarios.
How DumpsQueen Helps You Master Subnetting
DumpsQueen provides premium Exam Prep Dumps and Study Guide material designed to reflect real exam patterns. You’ll find subnetting questions similar to what we’ve discussed, ensuring you're prepared from every angle. Each question comes with detailed explanations and scenario-based practice that builds real exam confidence.
Whether you're aiming for CCNA, CompTIA Network+, or any other networking certification, understanding subnetting and being able to answer “how many subnets are needed for the following topology?” can make or break your success.
Conclusion
The question “how many subnets are needed for the following topology?” may seem simple, but it demands a solid grasp of networking fundamentals, especially subnetting. By carefully evaluating the topology, identifying broadcast domains, accounting for WAN links, and applying subnetting strategies, you can confidently solve these types of questions.
Make sure to practice regularly with DumpsQueen’s Exam Prep Dumps and Study Guide material, and you'll be well-equipped to ace this and many other critical networking topics on your certification journey.
Sample MCQs on Subnetting
1. How many subnets are required for a topology with 3 departments and 2 router-to-router connections?
A. 3
B. 4
C. 5
D. 6
Correct Answer: C
2. You are given a /24 network. How many subnets can be created by borrowing 3 bits?
A. 4
B. 6
C. 8
D. 16
Correct Answer: C
3. A topology includes 1 data center, 3 branches, and 2 WAN links. How many subnets are needed?
A. 5
B. 6
C. 4
D. 3
Correct Answer: B
4. Which of the following is not required to be placed in its own subnet?
A. A VLAN
B. A router-to-router link
C. A printer
D. A LAN segment
Correct Answer: C
