IP addresses and subnets
IP addresses and subnets is an interactive experiment in Networks & the Internet, a free simulation from StudyFi Lab that runs right in your browser.
An IPv4 address has 32 bits. The prefix length /n says how many leading bits identify the network; the other 32 − n bits number the devices. The network address has all host bits 0, the broadcast address all 1, so there are 2³²⁻ⁿ − 2 usable addresses. Two addresses are in the same network when all their network bits match.
Try this: Set 192.168.1.130/26 and check that the network starts at .128 and ends at .191. Then move the prefix: how does the host count change when you add one bit?
Frequently asked questions
What does the “IP addresses and subnets” experiment show?
An IPv4 address has 32 bits. The prefix length /n says how many leading bits identify the network; the other 32 − n bits number the devices. The network address has all host bits 0, the broadcast address all 1, so there are 2³²⁻ⁿ − 2 usable addresses. Two addresses are in the same network when all their network bits match.
How do I try “IP addresses and subnets”?
Set 192.168.1.130/26 and check that the network starts at .128 and ends at .191. Then move the prefix: how does the host count change when you add one bit?
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