The IPv4 Subnet Calculator is a practical tool that simplifies the task of subnetting for network administrators and others involved in managing IP networks. You just need to input an IP address and CIDR notation, and the tool will provide a comprehensive breakdown of the subnet information related to that particular IP address.
To use the IPv4 Subnet Calculator, simply input your chosen IP address in the "IP Address" field and choose the suitable CIDR notation from the drop-down list. The calculator will immediately compute and show a plethora of data about your subnet. This includes netmask, wildcard, network address, broadcast address, total and usable hosts, minimum and maximum usable address, IP type, IP class, binary representation of the IP, subnet, netmask and wildcard.
The calculator figures out the subnet details by splitting the IP address into its network address and host identifier sections. The following table provides a deeper understanding of the information that is computed:
| Parameters | Description | Calculations |
|---|---|---|
| Netmask | The bitmask used to indicate the network portion of the IP address. Also, its binary representation. | Uses a left shift operation on -1 to obtain the mask, then converts the integer to a binary format before formatting it as an IP address and binary netmask. |
| Wildcard | The reverse of the subnet mask, used in some types of network communications. Also, its binary representation. | Applies a bitwise NOT operation to the netmask, then converts the integer to a binary format before formatting it as a binary wildcard. |
| Network Address | The identifier for a network, derived from the IP address and the subnet mask. Also, its binary representation. | Conducts a bitwise AND operation between the IP address and the netmask, then converts the integer to a binary format before formatting it as a binary network address. |
| Network Class | The category of IPv4 addressing defined by the first octet. | Determines class based on the first octet of the IP address. |
| Broadcast Address | The last address in a network, used for addressing all devices on the network simultaneously. | Executes a bitwise OR operation between the network address and the bitwise NOT of the netmask. |
| Total Number of Hosts | The total number of addresses within a network, including network and broadcast addresses. | Calculates 2 raised to the power of (32 - CIDR notation). |
| Number of Usable Hosts | The number of addresses within a network that can be assigned to devices, excluding network and broadcast addresses. | Subtracts 2 from the total number of hosts to exclude the network and broadcast addresses. |
| Minimum Usable Address | The first address in a network that can be assigned to a device. | Adds 1 to the network address to exclude it. |
| Maximum Usable Address | The last address in a network that can be assigned to a device. | Subtracts 1 from the broadcast address to exclude it. |
The IPv4 Subnet Calculator should be assist you in understanding and planning your IP subnetting needs. By providing a comprehensive summary of your subnet, it enables you to manage and configure your networks more effectively.