For a new LAN in a branch office supporting 200 devices, what is the smallest network mask that can be used?

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Multiple Choice

For a new LAN in a branch office supporting 200 devices, what is the smallest network mask that can be used?

To determine the smallest network mask that can accommodate 200 devices, it's important to understand how each subnet mask translates into the number of available IP addresses. The subnet mask of 255.255.255.0, also written as /24, allows for 256 IP addresses (2^8). Out of these, 2 addresses are reserved: one for the network address and one for the broadcast address. This leaves 254 usable IP addresses for hosts, which is sufficient for the requirement of supporting 200 devices. Choosing a subnet mask smaller than 255.255.255.0, such as 255.255.255.128 (which is /25), would only provide 126 usable addresses, and 255.255.254.0 (which is /23) would provide 510 usable addresses—both of which do meet the requirement, but are not as efficient as the /24 subnet for just 200 devices. The option 255.255.252.0 (or /22) provides even more addresses (1022 usable), which is surplus for the need. In this scenario, the choice of 255.255.255.0 is optimal because it meets the requirement directly without excess, making it the most

To determine the smallest network mask that can accommodate 200 devices, it's important to understand how each subnet mask translates into the number of available IP addresses.

The subnet mask of 255.255.255.0, also written as /24, allows for 256 IP addresses (2^8). Out of these, 2 addresses are reserved: one for the network address and one for the broadcast address. This leaves 254 usable IP addresses for hosts, which is sufficient for the requirement of supporting 200 devices.

Choosing a subnet mask smaller than 255.255.255.0, such as 255.255.255.128 (which is /25), would only provide 126 usable addresses, and 255.255.254.0 (which is /23) would provide 510 usable addresses—both of which do meet the requirement, but are not as efficient as the /24 subnet for just 200 devices.

The option 255.255.252.0 (or /22) provides even more addresses (1022 usable), which is surplus for the need.

In this scenario, the choice of 255.255.255.0 is optimal because it meets the requirement directly without excess, making it the most

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