Introduction

In the world of networking, subnetting plays an essential role in efficient IP address management, ensuring that network resources are properly allocated and that communication between devices is optimized. One of the primary tasks in subnetting is determining which subnet an IP address belongs to, especially when dealing with specific addresses like 192.168.1.96. In this blog, we will explore the process of determining the correct subnet that includes 192.168.1.96 as a usable host address. Subnetting is a critical skill for IT professionals, network administrators, and those pursuing certifications like CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) or CompTIA Network+. By the end of this blog, you will have a solid understanding of how to calculate subnet ranges and identify usable host addresses.

Understanding the Basics of IP Addressing and Subnetting

Before diving into the specifics of identifying the subnet, it’s crucial to understand the basics of IP addressing and subnetting. IP addresses are the fundamental building blocks of a network. These addresses are used to identify devices on a network, allowing them to communicate with one another. Each IP address consists of two parts: the network portion and the host portion. The network portion identifies the network to which the device belongs, while the host portion identifies the specific device within that network. Subnetting is the process of dividing a large network into smaller, more manageable sub-networks (subnets). Subnetting allows for more efficient use of IP addresses by dividing a larger network into smaller, more efficient segments.

The Structure of an IP Address

An IPv4 address consists of 32 bits, which are divided into four octets. Each octet is made up of 8 bits, and the total number of bits is divided between the network and host portions of the address. This division is determined by the subnet mask. A subnet mask defines which part of the IP address is the network portion and which part is the host portion. For example, in a typical Class C network, the default subnet mask is 255.255.255.0, meaning that the first three octets represent the network portion, and the last octet represents the host portion.

Identifying the Subnet for 192.168.1.96

Now that we understand the basics of IP addressing and subnetting, let’s dive into identifying the correct subnet that includes the IP address 192.168.1.96. To determine which subnet an IP address belongs to, you need to know the subnet mask. The subnet mask will tell you how the address is divided between the network and the host portions. For this example, let’s assume the subnet mask is 255.255.255.0, which is common in Class C networks. This means that the first three octets (192.168.1) represent the network portion, and the last octet (96 in this case) represents the host portion.

Step 1: Converting the IP Address and Subnet Mask to Binary

To understand how the subnet is calculated, it’s helpful to convert both the IP address and the subnet mask to binary. The IP address 192.168.1.96 can be represented as:

192 = 11000000 (binary)
168 = 10101000 (binary)
1 = 00000001 (binary)
96 = 01100000 (binary)

Thus, 192.168.1.96 in binary is:

11000000.10101000.00000001.01100000

Next, we convert the subnet mask 255.255.255.0 into binary:

255 = 11111111 (binary)
255 = 11111111 (binary)
255 = 11111111 (binary)
0 = 00000000 (binary)

So, the subnet mask 255.255.255.0 in binary is:

11111111.11111111.11111111.00000000

Step 2: Identifying the Network and Host Portions

Now that we have the binary representation of both the IP address and the subnet mask, we can identify the network and host portions. The network portion is determined by the bits of the subnet mask that are set to 1, while the host portion is determined by the bits that are set to 0. Looking at the subnet mask, the first 24 bits are set to 1, which means that the first 24 bits of the IP address belong to the network portion, and the remaining 8 bits belong to the host portion. So, for the IP address 192.168.1.96, the network portion is 192.168.1, and the host portion is 96. This tells us that 192.168.1.96 falls within the 192.168.1.0/24 network.

Step 3: Determining the Range of Usable Addresses

To find the range of usable host addresses within the subnet 192.168.1.0/24, we need to calculate the first and last usable IP addresses.

The first usable address in this subnet is 192.168.1.1. This address is used to identify the first device in the network.
The last usable address is 192.168.1.254, which is the highest address available for hosts in the subnet.

The address 192.168.1.96 is a usable host address because it falls within this range.

Step 4: Verifying with Additional Subnets

Let’s consider a scenario where the subnet mask is different. If the subnet mask were 255.255.255.128 (a subnet with a /25 prefix), the address range would change. In this case, the network would be split into two subnets:

192.168.1.0/25: Usable IPs from 192.168.1.1 to 192.168.1.126.
192.168.1.128/25: Usable IPs from 192.168.1.129 to 192.168.1.254.

In this case, 192.168.1.96 would fall under the 192.168.1.0/25 subnet, making it a usable address within that range.

Free Sample Question

Which subnet would include the address 192.168.1.96 as a usable host address?

a) 192.168.1.0/24

b) 192.168.1.128/25

c) 192.168.1.0/26

d) 192.168.1.96/28

Answer: a) 192.168.1.0/24

What is the first usable IP address in the subnet 192.168.1.0/24?

a) 192.168.1.0

b) 192.168.1.1

c) 192.168.1.255

d) 192.168.1.254

Answer: b) 192.168.1.1

Which of the following represents a valid subnet mask for a Class C network?

a) 255.255.255.128

b) 255.255.255.0

c) 255.255.0.0

d) 255.255.255.255

Answer: b) 255.255.255.0

Which subnet mask would allow for the largest number of hosts?

a) 255.255.255.128

b) 255.255.255.0

c) 255.255.0.0

d) 255.255.255.192

Answer: c) 255.255.0.0

Conclusion

In conclusion, determining which subnet includes a given address, such as 192.168.1.96, involves understanding the IP address structure, the subnet mask, and how to identify the network and host portions of an address. By practicing subnetting and understanding how to calculate usable addresses, you can ensure more efficient and organized network management. For networking professionals and those pursuing certifications like CCNA, understanding subnetting and how to calculate IP address ranges is essential. Whether you are working with a /24 or /25 subnet, the process remains the same, and the ability to calculate usable host addresses is a skill that will help you succeed in real-world networking scenarios. If you’re preparing for certification exams or simply want to master subnetting, DumpsQueen provides comprehensive study materials and practice exams to help you achieve your goals. for more resources and guidance.