Calculate IP Address Range from Subnet Mask

IP Address Range Calculation:

\[ \text{Network Address} = \text{IP} \land \text{Subnet Mask} \] \[ \text{Broadcast Address} = \text{Network Address} + (2^{32-n} - 1) \]

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1. What is IP Address Range Calculation?

The IP address range calculation determines the network boundaries for a given IP address and subnet mask. It identifies the network address (start of the range), broadcast address (end of the range), and all usable host addresses in between.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses these formulas:

\[ \text{Network Address} = \text{IP} \land \text{Subnet Mask} \] \[ \text{Broadcast Address} = \text{Network Address} + (2^{32-n} - 1) \]

Where:

IP — The IP address in dotted decimal notation (e.g., 192.168.1.10)
Subnet Mask — The network mask in dotted decimal or CIDR notation (e.g., 255.255.255.0 or /24)
n — The CIDR prefix length (number of bits in the mask)
∧ — Bitwise AND operation

Explanation: The network address is found by bitwise ANDing the IP with the subnet mask. The broadcast address is the highest address in the subnet.

3. Importance of Network Calculations

Details: Understanding IP ranges is essential for network design, troubleshooting, security configuration, and ensuring proper device communication within a subnet.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter a valid IPv4 address and either a subnet mask (e.g., 255.255.255.0) or CIDR notation (e.g., /24). The calculator will display the network range and other relevant information.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between network and broadcast addresses?
A: The network address identifies the subnet itself (first address), while the broadcast address is used to send data to all hosts in the subnet (last address).

Q2: Why are the first and last addresses often unusable?
A: The network address identifies the subnet, and the broadcast address is reserved for broadcasting, leaving the addresses in between for hosts.

Q3: What is CIDR notation?
A: Classless Inter-Domain Routing (CIDR) notation represents the subnet mask as a prefix length (e.g., /24 means 24 leading 1-bits in the mask).

Q4: How does this work with IPv6?
A: IPv6 uses similar concepts but with 128-bit addresses and different notation. This calculator only handles IPv4.

Q5: What is a usable host range?
A: These are the IP addresses that can be assigned to devices in the subnet, excluding the network and broadcast addresses.