The main difference between subnetting and supernetting is that subnetting divides a single network into multiple small sub-networks while supernetting combines multiple networks to create a single network.
A computer network is a collection of devices connected together to share data and resources. Each device in the network has an identification number called IP address. Subnetting and Supernetting are two such methods to organize IP addresses in a methodical order according to the situation.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Subnetting
– Definition, Functionality
2. What is Supernetting
– Definition, Functionality
3. What is the Difference Between Subnetting and Supernetting
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Subnetting, Supernetting
What is Subnetting
Subnetting is the process of dividing a network into multiple small networks called subnets. In other words, it is the logical subdivision of an IP network. Each subnet has its own network address. Local administrator of the network manages these subnets. However, the outside world sees the organization as a single network and does not know about the structure of internal subnets.
Subnetting provides multiple advantages. There are several departments in an organization. Using subnetting, we can divide the network into subnets for different departments. For example, all the devices in the Human Resource department belong to one subnet while all the devices in the Finance department belong to one subnet. It avoids running out of IP addresses and helps to assign IP addresses to all the devices. Moreover, all hosts in one particular subnet belong to the same broadcast domain. Therefore, it is easier to send a broadcast message to all hosts easily at once. Subnetting also improves security issues.
What is Supernetting
Supernetting is the process of combining multiple networks to build a single network. Supernet or super network refers to this new network. Supernetting helps to minimize the size of routing tables and routing table updates. In other words, supernetting supports route aggregation.
It is important to pay attention to the following three properties in supernetting:
- All the IP addresses should be contiguous.
- Small networks should be equal sized and must be in the form of 2n.
- First IP address must be divisible by the whole size of supernet.
Supernetting provides multiple advantages. It helps to reduce the size of the routing tables. It also helps to minimize network traffic. Furthermore, it avoids the lack of IP addresses. On the other hand, all the networks must be in the same class, and IP addresses have to be contiguous. Thus, this is a drawback of supernetting.
Difference Between Subnetting and Supernetting
Definition
Subnetting refers to the practice of dividing a network into two or more networks while supernetting refers to combining two or more networks into a single large network. This is the main difference between subnetting and supernetting.
Functionality
Another difference between subnetting and supernetting is that subnetting divides a network into small networks while supernetting combines multiple networks to create a large network.
Main Usage
Furthermore, subnetting helps to reduce the address depletion whereas supernetting helps to simplify and fasten the routing process.
Conclusion
Both subnetting and supernetting help to arrange a collection of IP addresses. The main difference between subnetting and supernetting is that subnetting divides a single network into multiple small sub-networks while supernetting combines multiple networks to create a single network.
Reference:
1. “Subnetwork.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 16 Jan. 2019, Available here.
2. “What Is Subnetting? | CCNA.” Geek University, Available here.
3. Thakur, Dinesh. “What is Subnetting” Computer Notes, Available here.
4. “Computer Network | Supernetting.” GeeksforGeeks, 7 May 2018, Available here.
5. “Supernetwork.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 23 Jan. 2019, Available here.
Image Courtesy:
1. “3866435” (CC0) via Max Pixel
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