What is a Netmask?
A netmask is a code of numbers that is used to transfer messages correctly among machines in the same subnet. It works together with a network’s router to determine where the data goes when it is received. Netmasks are used to identify which portion of an IP address represents the network address and which portion represents the machine address. A netmask is essentially a mathematical mask that hides a portion of an IP address and replaces it with other numbers. Netmasks are used in computer networks of all sizes. Netmask is a term that is commonly used in the computer and internet technology industries. The most common netmask is a 32-bit mask. 32-bit masks were created to be used for two main purposes; first, to administer internet sites and divide an IP address into what are called subnets and second to specify the available hosts for the networks and determine where data goes when it is received by the router. Netmasks are essential for successful internet computer networking. A 32
A netmask is a series of bits designed to ‘mask’ certain portions of an IP address. The standard netmask for a class C network like cyberstation is 255.255.255.0 – basically the last octet, .0, says ‘look here for the machine number, the rest (255) is network number’. The primary use for netmasks is in subnetting.
