What is Class B? – Introducing and Explaining IP Address Classes
Understanding IP addresses:
In computer networking, IP (Internet Protocol) addresses play a crucial role in identifying and assigning unique digital addresses to devices connected to a network. IP addresses are classified into different classes based on their range and allocation. One such class is Class B.
Introducing Class B:
Class B IP addresses are a type of IP address class that falls within the range of 128.0.0.0 to 191.255.255.255. These addresses are designed to provide a moderate to large-sized network with a substantial number of available host addresses. Class B networks are primarily used by mid-sized organizations, such as large companies or universities, that require a significant number of connected devices.
Structure of Class B IP address:
Class B IP addresses consist of 16 bits for the network portion and 16 bits for the host portion. The first two bits of the address are always set to ’10’.
For example, the IP address 172.16.0.0 is classified as a Class B address. The first two bits (’10’) indicate its class, and the remaining 14 bits (‘172.16’) are used for network identification. This allows for approximately 65,536 host addresses to be assigned within the network.
Benefits and limitations of Class B addresses:
The allocation of Class B IP addresses provides several advantages. Firstly, it allows for a significantly larger number of host addresses compared to Class A addresses. This makes Class B suitable for organizations with moderate to large network requirements.
On the other hand, one notable limitation of Class B addresses is their inefficient use of IP address space. Due to their structure, each Class B network consumes a significant portion of available address space, even if the organization doesn’t require all the host addresses. As a result, IP addressing standards have evolved over time, and the more efficient Classless Inter-Domain Routing (CIDR) system is now widely implemented.
In summary:
Class B IP addresses are a type of IP address class that provides a moderate to large-sized network with a substantial number of host addresses. They are typically used by mid-sized organizations. Understanding the structure and allocation of IP address classes is essential for efficient network management and communication.
Remember, as technology evolves, so does the need for efficient and optimal utilization of IP address space.
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