If a class B network on the Internet has a subnet mask of 255.255.248.0, what…

2008

If a class B network on the Internet has a subnet mask of 255.255.248.0, what is the maximum number of hosts per subnet?

  1. A.

    1022

  2. B.

    1023

  3. C.

    2046

  4. D.

    2047

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Correct answer: C

Explanation: step through the mask to find usable hosts per subnet.

  • Determine the prefix length for the mask 255.255.248.0: the third octet 248 is 11111000, so the mask has 8 + 8 + 5 = 21 ones => /21.

  • Calculate host bits: 32 - 21 = 11 host bits.

  • Total addresses per subnet: 2^11 = 2048.

  • Usable hosts per subnet: subtract 2 reserved addresses (network and broadcast): 2048 - 2 = 2046.

Answer: 2046 usable hosts per subnet.

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