IP sub netting and forwarding

IP subnetting is the process of dividing a larger network into smaller subnetworks or subnets. Subnetting allows network administrators to effectively manage IP address allocation and routing, and can improve network performance by reducing the size of broadcast domains.

IP forwarding is the process of forwarding IP packets from one network to another based on the destination IP address. IP forwarding is done by routers, which maintain routing tables that specify the next hop for each destination network.

Here’s an overview of how subnetting and forwarding work together in an IP network:

Subnetting: A network administrator divides a larger network into smaller subnets by allocating a range of IP addresses to each subnet. This is typically done using a subnet mask, which defines the size of the subnet and the range of IP addresses that belong to it.

IP Address Allocation: Once the subnets are defined, IP addresses can be allocated to devices on the network. Each device is assigned an IP address that belongs to its subnet, and the subnet mask is used to determine the network and host portions of the address.

Routing: Routers on the network maintain routing tables that specify the next hop for each destination network. When a packet is received, the router checks the destination IP address against its routing table to determine the next hop for the packet.

Forwarding: The router forwards the packet to the next hop device, which repeats the process of destination network lookup and forwarding until the packet reaches its final destination. By subnetting a larger network, network administrators can reduce the size of broadcast domains and improve network performance. IP forwarding ensures that packets are delivered to their intended destination by forwarding them from one router to the next until they reach the final destination.