If a Class B network on the internet has a subnet mask of 255.255.248.0, what…

We are given a subnet mask: 255.255.248.0

Let’s analyze it using Class B IP addressing logic.

Step 1: Convert subnet mask to prefix

255.255.248.0 in binary:

255 = 8 bits

255 = 8 bits

248 = 11111000 → 5 bits

0 = 8 bits

So total network bits =

👉 8 + 8 + 5 = 21 bits

So subnet mask = /21

🔍 Step 2: Host bits

IPv4 has 32 bits total:

Host bits = 32 − 21 = 11 bits

🔍 Step 3: Calculate usable hosts

Formula:

2host bits −2

211 − 2=2048−2=2046

⚠️ Important correction

We must be careful:

Since it is a Class B network, default is /16, but mask is /21 → still correct subnet calculation is valid.

However, the question asks maximum hosts per subnet, so we use correct host bits = 11.

👉 So correct answer = 2046