How Many Types of Networks Are There?

2024-07-29 usr Official Website

In the vast landscape of IIoT, the reasonable division and configuration of networks is not only a technical challenge, but also a key to promoting the intelligent transformation of traditional industries. This article will explore the classification of networks in depth, with a particular focus on the default subnet mask setting method for Class B networks, revealing the technical mysteries and strategic considerations behind it for you.


Multi-Dimensional Perspective of Network Division

Before talking about network segmentation, we first need to clarify that the classification of networks is not a single dimension, but a comprehensive consideration of multiple dimensions. Broadly speaking, network segmentation can be carried out from the following dimensions:


Classified by coverage:

Local area network (LAN): A network that covers a limited geographical area such as an office or workshop, and is mainly used for communication between devices at close range.


Metropolitan area network (MAN): Covering areas between local area networks and wide area networks, such as university campuses and urban areas.


Wide area network WAN: covering a vast geographical area, even across national boundaries, such as the Internet, which is a typical wide area network.


Classified by transmission technology:

Broadcast network: Data is sent to all devices in the form of broadcast, and the receiving device determines whether to receive it based on the address.


Point-to-point network: Data is sent directly from one device to another specified device, resulting in higher transmission efficiency.


Division based on network address and subnet mask:
This is the focus of this article, which involves the allocation of IP addresses, the division of subnets, and the setting of subnet masks. Through subnet masks, we can divide IP addresses into network and host parts, enabling fine-grained management of networks.


The unique charm of Class B network

Class B networks are an important component of the IPv4 address space, with addresses ranging from 128.0.0.0 to 191.255.255.255. The biggest feature of Class B networks is that they can support a maximum of 65,534 hosts, making them widely applicable in medium-sized to large network environments.


Setting method of default subnet mask for Class B network
The default subnet mask for Class B networks is 255.255.0.0. This subnet mask defines the first 16 bits of a Class B IP address as the network portion and the remaining 16 bits as the host portion. This simple and straightforward method of setting up is suitable for most scenarios where complex subnet division is not required.


However, in practical applications, we often further divide subnets based on specific needs. At this time, we need to adjust the length of the subnet mask to change the ratio of bits between the network and host parts. For example, if we want to divide a Class B network into multiple smaller subnets to reduce the size of the broadcast domain or improve network security, we can change the subnet mask to 255.255.128.0/17, which increases the network part by one bit and reduces the host part by one bit accordingly.


When setting the subnet mask, it is important to note that the "1" in the subnet mask must correspond exactly to the number of bits in the network portion, while the "0" corresponds to the host portion. This setting method ensures that network devices can correctly identify the network portion and host portion of the IP address, thereby enabling correct routing and transmission of data packets.


How many types of networks are there? The answer is not unique, as it depends on our perspective and purpose of observation. The default subnet mask setting method for Class B networks is a basic and critical task in network configuration. It is necessary not only to master these basic knowledge, but also to deeply understand the technical principles and application scenarios behind them, so as to flexibly apply and innovate in practical work. Only in this way can we provide more solid and reliable technical support for the intelligent transformation of traditional industries.

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