In the current networking paradigm, IP address classes (Class A, B, C, D, and E) have been largely replaced by Classless Inter-Domain Routing (CIDR) notation. However, understanding the historical context of IP address classes can still provide insights into network addressing. Here's an overview of IP address classes with example
IP Address Classes
1. Class A
- Range: 1.0.0.0 to 127.255.255.255
- First Octet: Network portion, range from 1 to 127
- Example: IP address 10.0.0.1
2. Class B
- Range: 128.0.0.0 to 191.255.255.255
- First Octets: Network portion, range from 128 to 191
- Example: IP address 172.16.0.1
3. Class C
- Range: 192.0.0.0 to 223.255.255.255
- First Octets: Network portion, range from 192 to 223
- Example: IP address 192.168.0.1
4. Class D (Multicast)
- Range: 224.0.0.0 to 239.255.255.255
- First Octets: Network portion, range from 224 to 239
- Example: IP address 239.1.1.1
5. Class E (Reserved)
- Range: 240.0.0.0 to 255.255.255.255
- First Octets: Network portion, range from 240 to 255
- Example: IP address 255.255.255.255
CIDR Notation
CIDR notation has largely replaced IP address classes for subnetting and network address allocation. It allows more flexibility in defining the network portion and the host portion of an IP address. CIDR notation uses a slash followed by the number of bits used for the network portion.
- CIDR Example: 192.168.1.0/24
- IP Address: 192.168.1.0
- Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
- Network Portion: 24 bits (first three octets)
- Host Portion: 8 bits (last octet)
Key Points
- Classful addressing was based on fixed ranges assigned to each IP address class (A, B, C, D, E).
- Classless addressing (CIDR) allows more efficient use of IP addresses by specifying the subnet mask with a variable length.
- Networks today primarily use CIDR notation for subnetting and routing.
Understanding these concepts helps in configuring networks efficiently and managing IP address allocations effectively in modern networking environments.
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