Please explain what subnet mask 255.255.255.252 (/30) is and how it can be used to enhance network security with an example.

Database System Concepts
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ISBN:9780078022159
Author:Abraham Silberschatz Professor, Henry F. Korth, S. Sudarshan
Publisher:Abraham Silberschatz Professor, Henry F. Korth, S. Sudarshan
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**Understanding Subnet Mask 255.255.255.252 (/30) and Its Role in Network Security**

A subnet mask, such as 255.255.255.252 (/30), plays a crucial role in defining network boundaries within an IP network. It specifies how the network is subdivided into smaller, manageable segments or subnets. 

### What is a Subnet Mask?

A subnet mask is a 32-bit number that masks an IP address and divides the IP address into a network and host portion. The mask determines which part of the IP address belongs to the network and which part belongs to the host. In a /30 subnet mask, only 2 IP addresses are available for host assignment. This provides just enough for point-to-point communication, typically used for router connections.

### How Does a /30 Subnet Mask Work?

- **Binary Representation:** The /30 mask (255.255.255.252) in binary is 11111111.11111111.11111111.11111100. The '1's represent the network portion, and the '0's represent the host portion.
- **Address Range:** It provides 4 IP addresses, of which 2 are usable for hosts (usable IPs), 1 is for the network address, and 1 is reserved for the broadcast address.

### Enhancing Network Security with /30 Subnet

Using a /30 subnet can enhance network security by minimizing the number of devices that can directly communicate on that subnet. This isolation is beneficial for:

- **Point-to-Point Links:** By limiting the subnet to just two device interfaces (like between routers), it reduces chances for unwanted packet routing.
- **Simplifying Network Management:** With fewer devices on a subnet, managing and monitoring become more straightforward.

### Example Scenario

Imagine two routers connected through a point-to-point link using a /30 subnet. The network can use the IP addresses like:

- Network: 192.168.1.0/30
- Router A: 192.168.1.1
- Router B: 192.168.1.2
- Broadcast: 192.168.1.3

This isolation ensures that only Router A and Router B exchange traffic, enhancing the security and efficiency of the connection.

In conclusion, a /30 subnet mask is a valuable tool for creating efficient and secure point-to-point communications in a network. By understanding how to use subnetting effectively, network
Transcribed Image Text:**Understanding Subnet Mask 255.255.255.252 (/30) and Its Role in Network Security** A subnet mask, such as 255.255.255.252 (/30), plays a crucial role in defining network boundaries within an IP network. It specifies how the network is subdivided into smaller, manageable segments or subnets. ### What is a Subnet Mask? A subnet mask is a 32-bit number that masks an IP address and divides the IP address into a network and host portion. The mask determines which part of the IP address belongs to the network and which part belongs to the host. In a /30 subnet mask, only 2 IP addresses are available for host assignment. This provides just enough for point-to-point communication, typically used for router connections. ### How Does a /30 Subnet Mask Work? - **Binary Representation:** The /30 mask (255.255.255.252) in binary is 11111111.11111111.11111111.11111100. The '1's represent the network portion, and the '0's represent the host portion. - **Address Range:** It provides 4 IP addresses, of which 2 are usable for hosts (usable IPs), 1 is for the network address, and 1 is reserved for the broadcast address. ### Enhancing Network Security with /30 Subnet Using a /30 subnet can enhance network security by minimizing the number of devices that can directly communicate on that subnet. This isolation is beneficial for: - **Point-to-Point Links:** By limiting the subnet to just two device interfaces (like between routers), it reduces chances for unwanted packet routing. - **Simplifying Network Management:** With fewer devices on a subnet, managing and monitoring become more straightforward. ### Example Scenario Imagine two routers connected through a point-to-point link using a /30 subnet. The network can use the IP addresses like: - Network: 192.168.1.0/30 - Router A: 192.168.1.1 - Router B: 192.168.1.2 - Broadcast: 192.168.1.3 This isolation ensures that only Router A and Router B exchange traffic, enhancing the security and efficiency of the connection. In conclusion, a /30 subnet mask is a valuable tool for creating efficient and secure point-to-point communications in a network. By understanding how to use subnetting effectively, network
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