Subnetting has always eluded me. I am sure to most its a really easy concept to graps, but for people like me that manage the talent, and not necessarily perform the operations, it does take a while to grasp.
Subnetting as defined by ISB:
Subnetting is a networking technique that allows you to divide a single, large network into smaller sub-networks, or subnets. This is typically done in order to improve network efficiency and security. By dividing a network into subnets, you can better manage network traffic and more easily isolate potential security threats.
When you subnet a network, you create multiple smaller networks, each with its own unique network address. This allows you to assign specific IP addresses to devices within each subnet and control how traffic flows between them. Subnetting requires an understanding of IP addressing, as well as the concept of network masks and subnet masks. It can be a complex topic, but once you get the hang of it, it can greatly improve your network’s performance and security.
Now, subnetting described to me as if I was a third grader:
Imagine you live in a really big house with lots of rooms. Sometimes, it can be hard to find things or get around because there are so many rooms. So, you decide to divide the house into smaller parts, like separate apartments. Each apartment has its own front door, and only people who live in that apartment can go in and out.
In the same way, computers on a network can sometimes be hard to manage and keep track of. So, we can divide the network into smaller parts called subnets, like the apartments. Each subnet has its own unique address, and only computers on that subnet can communicate with each other. This makes it easier to manage and secure the network.
Seems simple enough!