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SNA Assignment

The document discusses the evolution from classful to classless addressing in IPv4 networks, highlighting the inefficiencies of classful addressing due to fixed subnet masks and wasted IP addresses. Classless addressing, introduced as CIDR, allows for variable-length subnet masks, improving IP address utilization and network scalability. Ultimately, classless addressing is deemed superior for modern internet needs, supporting the growth of complex networks.

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13 views4 pages

SNA Assignment

The document discusses the evolution from classful to classless addressing in IPv4 networks, highlighting the inefficiencies of classful addressing due to fixed subnet masks and wasted IP addresses. Classless addressing, introduced as CIDR, allows for variable-length subnet masks, improving IP address utilization and network scalability. Ultimately, classless addressing is deemed superior for modern internet needs, supporting the growth of complex networks.

Uploaded by

jannatimtiaz288
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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System & Network Administrattion

Instructor: Dr. Kashif


Submitted By: M. Haseeb Asif
ID: F2022105109
Section: Y2

CLASSFULL & CLASSLESS ADDRESSING


Introduction
Classful addressing was the original method of IP address allocation in IPv4, where
addresses were divided into fixed classes (A, B, C, D, and E) with predefined subnet masks,
making it simple but inefficient due to address wastage. To overcome this limitation,
classless addressing, known as CIDR (Classless Inter-Domain Routing), was introduced in
1993, allowing IP addresses to be assigned with variable-length subnet masks (e.g., /24,
/26), providing more flexibility, efficient use of IP space, and the ability to aggregate routes
for better network scalability and management.

Classful Addressing is the original system used in IPv4 networks, where IP


addresses are divided into fixed categories known as Class A, B, C, D, and E.
Each class had a predefined size and default subnet mask.

Key Characteristics:
 Fixed subnet masks: Each class had a predetermined network size.
 Inefficient use of IP addresses: This system often led to wasted IP addresses, as
network sizes rarely matched the fixed class sizes.
 Defined Address Ranges:
 Class A: Large networks.
 Class B: Medium-sized
networks.
 Class C: Small networks.
 Class D: Multicast
addresses.
 Class E: reserved for
experimental use.

Network and Host part:


The first octet or byte of an IP address is part of the network ID (short for Net-ID), while the
next three octets or three bytes are part of the host ID in Class A. (in short, host-ID).
 The network ID takes up the first two octets or two bytes in Class B, whereas the
host ID takes up the remaining two octets or two bytes.
 In Class C, the first three octets or bytes are dedicated to the network ID, while the
last octet or byte is dedicated to the host ID.

Advantages:

 Simplicity: In its early days, it was relatively easy to understand and implement.
 Basic Structure: It provided a simple, fixed structure for early networks.

Disadvantages:

 Wasteful: It led to significant waste of IP addresses due to the rigid, fixed-size


network classes.
 Inflexible: It couldn't accommodate the diverse size requirements of modern
networks.
 Scalability Issues: It hindered the growth of the internet due to IP address
exhaustion.

Classless Addressing introduced in 1993 with the concept of CIDR


(Classless Inter-Domain Routing), replaced the fixed-class system.In CIDR, IP addresses are
assigned with a flexible subnet mask, written in the form IP address/prefix length (e.g.,
192.168.1.0/24).

Key Characteristics:
 Variable-Length Subnet Masks (VLSM): Network administrators can create subnets
of varying sizes.

 Efficient IP address utilization: IP addresses


are allocated based on actual needs, minimizing
waste.

 CIDR Notation: Addresses are


represented using slash notation (e.g.,
192.168.1.0/24), where the number
after the slash indicates the number of
network bits.
Rules of Application:
 Rule 1 − The CIDR block's IP addresses must all be contiguous.

 Rule 2 − The block size must be a power of two to be attractive. Furthermore, the
block's size is equal to the number of IP addresses in the block.

 Rule 3 − The block's first IP address must be divisible by the block size.

Advantages:
 Efficient IP Address Utilization: It allows for the allocation of IP addresses based on
actual network needs, minimizing waste.

 Flexibility: Variable-length subnet masks (VLSM) enable network administrators to


create subnets of various sizes.

 Improved Routing Efficiency: CIDR helps reduce the size of routing tables, leading to
faster routing.

 Scalability: It supports the growth of large and complex networks.

Disadvantages:
 Increased Complexity: CIDR and VLSM can be more complex to understand and
configure than classful addressing.

 Learning Curve: Network administrators may require training to fully grasp and
implement CIDR effectively.

The Better Approach:


 Classless addressing (CIDR) is unequivocally the better approach. It addresses the
critical limitations of classful addressing and enables the efficient and scalable
operation of the modern internet.

 The internet's growth would have been severely limited if classful addressing had
remained in use. CIDR is a fundamental technology that underpins the internet's
ability to support billions of devices and networks.

In conclusion, while classful addressing was a necessary stepping stone in the early
development of IP networking, classless addressing is essential for today's internet.

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