100-150 Question 60
Single answerYou are tasked with configuring a subnet for a small office that requires up to 14 usable IP addresses. The network administrator provides you with the base network address of 192.168.1.0. Which subnet mask should you use to meet the requirement while minimizing wasted IP addresses?
- A
255.255.255.240
- B
255.255.255.248
- C
255.255.255.224
- D
255.255.255.192
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
To determine the subnet mask, you need to account for at least 14 usable IP addresses. The subnet mask 255.255.255.240 (or /28) provides 16 total IP addresses, where 2 are reserved for the network and broadcast addresses, leaving 14 usable IP addresses. This is the most efficient choice for the given requirement.
- A. Correct.
255.255.255.240 provides 16 total IP addresses, with 14 usable addresses, which meets the requirement. This is the correct subnet mask for this scenario.
- B. Incorrect.
255.255.255.248 provides 8 total IP addresses, with 6 usable addresses, which is insufficient for the requirement of 14 usable addresses.
- C. Incorrect.
255.255.255.224 provides 32 total IP addresses, with 30 usable addresses. While this works, it wastes a significant number of IP addresses compared to the optimal choice.
- D. Incorrect.
255.255.255.192 provides 64 total IP addresses, with 62 usable addresses. This greatly exceeds the requirement and wastes a large number of IP addresses.