Final answer:
The subnet mask in IPv4 configuration determines the range of IP addresses that can communicate directly on the local network by separating the network and host portions of an IP address.
Step-by-step explanation:
When IPv4 is configured for a computer on a network, the subnet mask is used to identify the range of IP addresses that can communicate directly on the local network. The subnet mask determines which part of the IP address represents the network and which part represents the host. This is important for routing traffic efficiently within networks and to other networks. The subnet mask does not provide information regarding the computer's physical location, hostname, or the DNS server's address.