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subnet

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Definition: A subnet is a logical grouping of connected network devices. Nodes on a subnet tend to be located in close physical proximity to each other on a LAN. Network designers employ subnets as a way to partition networks into logical segments for greater ease of administration. When subnets are properly implemented, both the performance and security of networks can be improved.

 Subnet - Related Terms
• IP
• LAN
• node
• segment  
 

In IP networking, nodes on a subnet share a contiguous range of IP address numbers. A mask (known as the subnet mask or network mask) defines the boundaries of an IP subnet.

Also Known As: subnetwork

Related Resources:

IP Tutorial - Subnet Masks and Subnetting
Detailed explanation of subnet masks and subnetting in practice.
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