The /16 subnet mask is a subnet mask commonly used for class A networks. It consists of IP addresses ranging from 10.0.0.0 to 10.255.255.255. /16 subnet mask is the default subnet mask for Class B networks.
The dotted decimal notation for a /16 subnet mask is 255.255.0.0, which is derived from the binary representation 11111111.11111111.00000000.00000000.
A /16 subnet mask divides a class A network into smaller networks (subnetworks); each subnetwork has a range of 65,536 IP addresses. The first IP address in this range is designated as the network address, and the last IP address serves as the broadcast IP address. Therefore, a /16 subnet mask provides 65,534 usable IP addresses in each subnet.
Subnetting With a/16 Subnet Mask (Example)
Let’s consider subnetting the network 10.0.0.0/8, which is a class A network, with a /16 subnet mask. This will result in a range of 256 subnets, each with 65,536 IP addresses.
First Subnet:
- Network Address: 10.0.0.0
- Usable IP Range: 10.0.0.1 to 10.0.255.254
- Broadcast IP Address: 10.0.255.255
Second Subnet:
- Network Address: 10.1.0.0
- Usable IP Range: 10.1.0.1 to 10.1.255.254
- Broadcast IP Address: 10.1.255.255
| Subnet | Network Address | IP Range | Broadcast Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 10.0.0.0 | 10.0.0.1 to 10.0.255.254 | 10.0.255.255 |
| 2 | 10.1.0.0 | 10.1.0.1 to 10.1.255.254 | 10.1.255.255 |
| 3 | 10.2.0.0 | 10.2.0.1 to 10.2.255.254 | 10.2.255.255 |
| 4 | 10.3.0.0 | 10.3.0.1 to 10.3.255.254 | 10.3.255.255 |
| ... | ... | ... | ... |
| 253 | 10.253.0.0 | 10.253.0.1 to 10.253.255.254 | 10.253.255.255 |
| 254 | 10.254.0.0 | 10.254.0.1 to 10.254.255.254 | 10.254.255.255 |
| 256 | 10.255.0.0 | 10.255.0.1 to 10.255.255.254 | 10.255.255.255 |
/16 Subnet Mask IP Range
For a /16 subnet mask, each subnet has a range of 65,536 IP addresses. The first IP address is the network ID, and the last IP address is the broadcast IP address. Hence, there are 65,534 usable IP addresses in each /16 subnet.
/16 Subnet Mask Dotted Decimal Notation
The dotted decimal notation for a /16 subnet mask is 255.255.0.0. This is achieved by setting the first 16 bits of the 32-bit IPv4 address to “1s” and the remaining 16 bits to “0s” and then converting from binary to decimal.
How many hosts are in 16?
With a /16 subnet mask, each subnet can accommodate 65,534 hosts. The formula for calculating the number of hosts is 2^(number of host bits)-2.
For the /16 subnet mask, it is 2^16-2 = 65,534.
The two addresses subtracted are for network ID and broadcast IP addresses.
How many subnets are in 16?
For a /16 subnet mask, the number of subnets created is 2^8, resulting in 256 subnets.
I am a passionate Networking Associate specializing in Telecommunications.
With a degree in Electronic engineering, I possess a strong understanding of electronic systems and the intricacies of telecommunications networks. I gained practical experience and valuable insights working for a prominent telecommunications company.
Additionally, I hold certifications in networking, which have solidified my expertise in network architecture, protocols, and optimization.
Through my writing skills, I aim to provide accurate and valuable knowledge in the networking field.
Connect with me on social media using the links below for more insights.
You can contact me using [email protected] or connect with me using any of the social media account linked below