Determining the Network Address for 104.1.94.218

Understanding how to calculate the network address from a given IP address is fundamental in networking. The network address identifies the specific network segment to which a device belongs. In this guide, we’ll explore how to determine the network address for the IP address 104.1.94.218, considering various subnet masks, and delve into the concepts and calculations involved.

Understanding IP Addresses and Subnet Masks

An IP address consists of two main parts:

1. Network Portion: Identifies the specific network.
2. Host Portion: Identifies the specific device (host) within that network.

The division between these portions is defined by the subnet mask, a 32-bit number that masks the IP address to reveal the network part. Subnet masks can be represented in two ways:

• Dotted Decimal Notation: e.g., 255.255.255.0
• CIDR Notation: e.g., /24

Each ‘1’ in the subnet mask represents a bit of the network portion, while each ‘0’ represents a bit of the host portion.

Calculating the Network Address

To find the network address, perform a bitwise AND operation between the IP address and the subnet mask. This operation retains the network portion and zeros out the host portion.

Example 1: Subnet Mask 255.255.255.0 (/24)

1. Convert to Binary:
   • IP Address: 104.1.94.218
     • 104 → 01101000
     • 1 → 00000001
     • 94 → 01011110
     • 218 → 11011010
     • Binary: 01101000.00000001.01011110.11011010
   • Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
     • 255 → 11111111
     • 255 → 11111111
     • 255 → 11111111
     • 0 → 00000000
     • Binary: 11111111.11111111.11111111.00000000
2. Perform Bitwise AND:
   • 01101000.00000001.01011110.11011010 (IP Address) AND 11111111.11111111.11111111.00000000 (Subnet Mask) ----------------------------------- 01101000.00000001.01011110.00000000 (Network Address)
3. Convert Back to Decimal:
   • 01101000 → 104
   • 00000001 → 1
   • 01011110 → 94
   • 00000000 → 0
   • Network Address: 104.1.94.0

Thus, with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0 (/24), the network address for 104.1.94.218 is 104.1.94.0.

Example 2: Subnet Mask 255.255.0.0 (/16)

1. Subnet Mask: 255.255.0.0
   • Binary: 11111111.11111111.00000000.00000000
2. Perform Bitwise AND:
   • 01101000.00000001.01011110.11011010 (IP Address) AND 11111111.11111111.00000000.00000000 (Subnet Mask) ----------------------------------- 01101000.00000001.00000000.00000000 (Network Address)
3. Convert Back to Decimal:
   • 01101000 → 104
   • 00000001 → 1
   • 00000000 → 0
   • 00000000 → 0
   • Network Address: 104.1.0.0

With a subnet mask of 255.255.0.0 (/16), the network address for 104.1.94.218 is 104.1.0.0.

Importance of Subnetting

Subnetting allows network administrators to divide a larger network into smaller, more manageable segments. This enhances routing efficiency, improves security, and optimizes network performance. By understanding how to calculate network addresses, administrators can design networks that meet specific organizational needs.

Tools for Network Address Calculation

While manual calculations are educational, various online tools can simplify the process:

• IP Subnet Calculator: This tool provides detailed information about network addresses, broadcast addresses, and host ranges based on inputted IP addresses and subnet masks.
• Subnet Masks Reference Table: Offers a quick reference for subnet masks and their corresponding CIDR notations, aiding in network planning.

Conclusion

Determining the network address from an IP address involves understanding the relationship between the IP address and the subnet mask. By performing a bitwise AND operation, one can identify the network segment to which a device belongs. This knowledge is crucial for effective network design and management, ensuring efficient