What exactly is a subnet?

A subnet, or subnetwork, is a segmented piece of a larger network. More specifically, subnets are a logical partition of an IP network into multiple, smaller network segments. One goal of a subnet is to split a large network into a grouping of smaller, interconnected networks to help minimize traffic.

Is a VLAN and subnet the same thing?

At a high level, subnets and VLANs are analogous in that they both deal with segmenting or partitioning a portion of the network. However, VLANs are data link layer (OSI layer 2) constructs, while subnets are network layer (OSI layer 3) IP constructs, and they address (no pun intended) different issues on a network.

What is the difference between IP and subnet?

A subnet mask is used to divide an IP address into two parts. One part identifies the host (computer), the other part identifies the network to which it belongs. To better understand how IP addresses and subnet masks work, look at an IP address and see how it’s organized.

Can a LAN have multiple subnets?

*You can have more than just two subnets on a LAN. Cisco refers to them all as secondary addresses although they technically should be called tertiary, quartenary, etc.

What is a subnet for dummies?

A subnet is a network that falls within a Class A, B, or C network. Subnets are created by using one or more of the Class A, B, or C host bits to extend the network ID. Thus, instead of the standard 8-, 16-, or 24-bit network ID, subnets can have network IDs of any length.

Is a subnet a LAN?

tldr; A subnet is a logical IP network and LAN is a physical network running some kind of layer 2 networking protocol that may also be running TCP/IP.

Is every LAN a subnet?

A subnet represents all of the devices within a LAN, including all client, server, and host computers within that group. One benefit of creating a subnet is that it allows different computer groups to be connected to the Internet using a single shared public IP address.

Can you ping between subnets?

You should be able to ping either IP on a separate ping operation, without issue, if your PC is aware of where those networks are. If the routes aren’t already there, you should be able to add them yourself.