Which of the following is a Class C IP address?
In the vast world of networking, IP addresses play a crucial role in identifying devices on a network. IP addresses are divided into different classes based on their structure and the range of addresses they can accommodate. One of these classes is Class C. This article aims to identify a Class C IP address from a given set of options and provide an overview of what makes a Class C IP address unique.
Class C IP addresses are primarily used for small to medium-sized networks. They are characterized by having the first three octets of the IP address designated for the network portion, while the last octet is reserved for the host portion. This structure allows for a limited number of hosts per network, making Class C IP addresses suitable for smaller networks.
Let’s examine the following options to determine which one is a Class C IP address:
A) 10.0.0.1
B) 172.16.0.1
C) 192.168.1.1
D) 224.0.0.1
To identify a Class C IP address, we need to look at the first octet. Class C IP addresses have a first octet ranging from 192 to 223. Among the given options, only option C (192.168.1.1) falls within this range. Therefore, option C is the Class C IP address.
Now that we have identified the Class C IP address, let’s delve into the characteristics of a Class C IP address:
1. Network Prefix: In a Class C IP address, the first three octets (24 bits) represent the network prefix. This prefix is used to identify the network to which a device belongs.
2. Host ID: The last octet (8 bits) of a Class C IP address represents the host ID. This ID is used to identify a specific device within the network.
3. Limited Number of Hosts: As mentioned earlier, Class C IP addresses can accommodate a limited number of hosts. Specifically, they can support up to 254 hosts per network (2^8 – 2, accounting for the network and broadcast addresses).
4. Subnetting: While Class C IP addresses have a limited number of hosts, subnetting allows network administrators to divide a single Class C network into smaller subnetworks, effectively increasing the number of available hosts.
In conclusion, a Class C IP address is identified by its first octet ranging from 192 to 223. These addresses are suitable for small to medium-sized networks and have a limited number of hosts. By understanding the structure and characteristics of Class C IP addresses, network administrators can effectively manage their networks and allocate IP addresses to devices.
