When it comes to networking, understanding how many usable host addresses are available is a critical aspect of configuring and maintaining a network. In this article, we’ll explore how to calculate the number of usable host addresses in a network with 10 bits remaining for the host portion.
Understanding IP Addresses
Before we dive into the specifics of calculating usable host addresses, it’s important to understand the basics of IP addresses. An IP address is a unique identifier assigned to each device connected to a network. It consists of two parts: the network portion and the host portion.
The network portion of an IP address is used to identify the network to which the device belongs, while the host portion is used to identify the individual device on that network. In a 32-bit IP address, the first portion of the address (the network portion) is typically assigned by an Internet service provider, while the remaining portion (the host portion) is assigned by the network administrator.
Calculating Usable Host Addresses
Now that we understand the basics of IP addresses, let’s dive into how to calculate the number of usable host addresses in a network with 10 bits remaining for the host portion.
First, we need to determine the total number of possible IP addresses in the network. To do this, we raise 2 to the power of the number of bits in the host portion, minus 2. Why minus 2? Because the first and last IP addresses in a network are reserved for the network address and broadcast address, respectively.
In this case, we have 10 bits remaining for the host portion, so we raise 2 to the power of 10, which gives us 1024. We then subtract 2, leaving us with 1022 possible IP addresses.
However, not all of these IP addresses are usable for hosts. Some may be reserved for special purposes, such as the network address or broadcast address. To determine the number of usable host addresses, we subtract the number of reserved addresses from the total number of possible IP addresses.
In a network with 10 bits remaining for the host portion, the network address will take the first IP address, and the broadcast address will take the last IP address. This leaves us with 1022 – 2 = 1020 usable host addresses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a network with 10 bits remaining for the host portion will have 1020 usable host addresses. Understanding how to calculate the number of usable host addresses is an important aspect of configuring and maintaining a network. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your network has the necessary IP addresses to support all of your devices.
