What is the key factor in determining if IP addresses are on the same subnet?
The key factor in determining if IP addresses are on the same subnet is to compare their network portions using the subnet mask.
Understanding Subnets and IP Addresses
IP addresses are unique identifiers assigned to devices connected to a network. Each device on a network must have a unique IP address to communicate with other devices. In an IPv4 address, there are two main components: the network portion and the host portion.
The subnet mask is used to determine where the network portion ends and the host portion begins in an IP address. It consists of a series of ones followed by a series of zeros. The ones indicate the network portion, while the zeros indicate the host portion.
When comparing two IP addresses to see if they are on the same subnet, the focus is on the network portions of the addresses. If the network portions of the IP addresses match, it means they are on the same subnet.
For example, if IP address A is 192.168.1.10 with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0, and IP address B is 192.168.1.20 with the same subnet mask, then they are on the same subnet because their network portions (192.168.1) match.
Without knowing the actual IP addresses and their corresponding subnet masks, it is impossible to determine which of the given IP addresses are on the same subnet.
In conclusion, comparing the network portions of IP addresses using the subnet mask is essential in determining if they are on the same subnet. This process helps network administrators organize and manage IP addresses effectively within a network infrastructure.