Question

You are the administrator of what will become a large Windows Server network using the TCP/IP protocol. Currently the network consists of three Windows Servers and 50 windows workstations all on the same subnet.

During the last meeting you had with the CIO, it was determined that company growth would mean adding workstations and printers to the existing network for a total of 235 devices. No one segment is to have more than 85 hosts. The existing hardware will be used on the network as the new devices are added.

How should you assign IP addresses to the workstations on the network to minimize administration?

Answer 1

Subnetting the network using Classless Inter-Domain Routing (CIDR) with subnet masks that allow for the appropriate number of hosts per segment is the best way to manage a growing network and minimize administration.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer is to use subnetting to efficiently manage and assign IP addresses across the growing network. By creating smaller subnets, you can ensure that no single segment has more than 85 hosts, as required. A common approach is to use the Classless Inter-Domain Routing (CIDR) to divide the larger network into smaller, manageable subnets. When subnetting, consider using a subnet mask that accommodates the desired number of hosts. For example, a subnet mask of 255.255.255.128 (/25 in CIDR notation) allows for up to 126 hosts, which fits within the requirement of no more than 85 hosts per segment. By organizing the network into at least three subnets, with each subnet holding no more than 85 devices, you minimize administration by having a structured IP address scheme that is scalable for the addition of future devices.

Use the Variable Length Subnet Masking (VLSM) technique to assign IP addresses to the workstations on the network.

VLSM allows us to allocate different-sized subnets based on the number of hosts required. In this case, we need to accommodate a total of 235 devices without having more than 85 hosts in any subnet.

By using VLSM, we can divide the network into smaller subnets to efficiently use available IP address space. For example:

- Subnet 1: 30 hosts (for existing workstations)

- Subnet 2: 50 hosts (for new workstations)

- Subnet 3: 60 hosts (for printers)

Using VLSM, we can allocate the appropriate subnet masks to each subnet, ensuring efficient utilization of IP addresses and minimizing administration overhead.