suresh What is the purpose of the subnet mask in IP networking and how does it affect the routing of packets?
In IP networking, the subnet mask is used to separate the network and host portions of an IP address. It defines which part of the IP address belongs to the network and which part belongs to the host. The subnet mask is essential for routers to determine the network to which a specific IP address belongs and to efficiently route packets to their destination.
When a router receives a packet, it uses the subnet mask to compare the destination IP address with the local network it is connected to. By using the subnet mask, the router can determine whether the destination IP address is on the local network or if it needs to forward the packet to another network. This process is crucial for efficient packet routing and ensures that packets are delivered to the correct destination.
In summary, the subnet mask plays a vital role in IP networking by defining network boundaries and enabling routers to route packets effectively based on the destination IP address.
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