Question

How many valid host addresses are available on an IPv4 subnet that is configured with a /26 mask?

1) 254
2) 190
3) 192
4) 62
5) 64

Answer 1

A /26 mask provides 62 valid host address on an IPv4 subnet.

Step-by-step explanation:

The number of valid host addresses available on an IPv4 subnet is determined by the subnet mask. A /26 mask provides 6 bits for host addresses, since the remaining 26 bits are used for the network address and subnet identification. Each bit can have 2 possible values (0 or 1), so the total number of valid host addresses is 2^6 - 2, since the first and last addresses in a subnet are reserved for the network address and broadcast address respectively.

In this case, the /26 mask provides 64 possible host addresses, but 2 of them are reserved, leaving 62 valid host addresses.