Subnetting
Subnetting is a networking technique that divides a larger IP network into smaller, more manageable subnetworks (subnets) to improve performance, security, and organization. It involves borrowing bits from the host portion of an IP address to create a subnet mask, which defines the network and host boundaries within the subnet. This process is fundamental in IP addressing, particularly for IPv4, to efficiently allocate addresses and reduce broadcast traffic.
Developers should learn subnetting when designing, implementing, or troubleshooting network architectures, such as in cloud computing, data centers, or enterprise environments, to optimize resource usage and enhance security. It is essential for tasks like configuring virtual private clouds (VPCs), setting up firewalls, and managing IP address allocation in scalable applications. Understanding subnetting helps prevent IP address exhaustion and ensures efficient routing in complex networks.