You are given a requirement to create 1024 subnets. What is the appropriate subnet mask to achieve this?

Correct option is D

To calculate the subnet mask required for 1024 subnets, follow these steps:
1. Determine the number of bits needed for subnetting:
· To create 1024 subnets, we need enough bits to represent 1024 unique combinations.
· Formula:

2. Calculate the number of bits:
·
· Thus, 10 bits are needed for subnetting.
3. Calculate the subnet mask:
· Starting with a Class C network (default subnet mask: 255.255.255.0 or /24):
· Adding 10 subnet bits results in /24 + 10 = /34.
· While /34 is beyond typical CIDR conventions, practical implementations adapt classes A or B to host 1024 subnets.
4. Apply practical examples:
Class A example:
· Default subnet mask is /8.
· Adding 10 bits for subnetting results in /18.
· Subnet mask: 255.255.192.0
Class B example:
· Default subnet mask is /16.
· Adding 10 bits for subnetting results in /26.
· Subnet mask: 255.255.255.192
Given multiple, standard class routes, within this setup:
Correct Answer: (d) 255.255.252.0
Key Points:
1. Subnetting Basics: Understand the importance of subnetting and how it divides networks into smaller, manageable sub-networks.
2. Bits for Subnetting: Calculate the required number of bits for the desired number of subnets using the formula

3. Class of IP Address: Understand the default subnet masks for Class A, B, and C addresses and how to adjust them for subnetting.
Knowledge Booster:
1. Classless Inter-Domain Routing (CIDR): CIDR allows for more flexible allocation of IP addresses than the traditional class-based method, crucial for modern IP allocation strategies.
2. Default Subnet Masks:
· Class A: 255.0.0.0 (/8)
· Class B: 255.255.0.0 (/16)
· Class C: 255.255.255.0 (/24)
3. Network and Host Bits: Balancing the bits allocated for network addressing versus host allocation ensures efficient use of IP space in networking.