Software → Computer Networks
Subnet
A logical subdivision of an IP network.
Motivation
Subnetting solves the problem of organizing a large IP network into smaller address ranges.
Where it fits
Subnet belongs to computer networks and is used in LANs, cloud VPCs, routing, and network security boundaries.
Mental model
A subnet is a neighborhood inside a larger address space. Devices in the same subnet can often communicate more directly than devices across subnets.
Common mistakes
- Treating a subnet as a physical network only.
- Ignoring how subnet masks define the address range.
Related concepts
Subnet connects to IP, LAN, routing, NAT, firewall, and VPC.