What subnet mask should a network administrator use for a site with 22 IP phones, 20 PCs, 2 printers, and 2 scanners?

What subnet mask should a network administrator use for a site with 22 IP phones, 20 PCs, 2 printers, and 2 scanners?

• A. 255.255.255.240
• B. 255.255.255.192
• C. 255.255.255.224
• D. 255.255.255.128

Answer: (C)

To determine the appropriate subnet mask for this scenario, it's essential to calculate the total number of devices that require IP addresses. The network consists of 22 IP phones, 20 PCs, 2 printers, and 2 scanners, which adds up to: 22 + 20 + 2 + 2 = 46 devices When selecting a subnet mask, it's important to choose one that provides enough IP addresses to accommodate all the devices. Subnetting follows the formula for usable addresses, which is 2^n - 2, where n is the number of bits available for host addresses. The '-2' accounts for the network and broadcast addresses, which cannot be assigned to devices. Now, let's analyze the options based on the number of usable addresses: - For a subnet mask of 255.255.255.240 (which corresponds to a /28), the usable addresses are 2^4 - 2 = 14. This is insufficient for the 46 devices needed. - The subnet mask of 255.255.255.192 (or /26) provides 2^6 - 2 = 62 usable addresses. This option is more than adequate but may not be the most efficient choice. - The subnet

To determine the appropriate subnet mask for this scenario, it's essential to calculate the total number of devices that require IP addresses. The network consists of 22 IP phones, 20 PCs, 2 printers, and 2 scanners, which adds up to:

22 + 20 + 2 + 2 = 46 devices

When selecting a subnet mask, it's important to choose one that provides enough IP addresses to accommodate all the devices. Subnetting follows the formula for usable addresses, which is 2^n - 2, where n is the number of bits available for host addresses. The '-2' accounts for the network and broadcast addresses, which cannot be assigned to devices.

Now, let's analyze the options based on the number of usable addresses:

• For a subnet mask of 255.255.255.240 (which corresponds to a /28), the usable addresses are 2^4 - 2 = 14. This is insufficient for the 46 devices needed.

• The subnet mask of 255.255.255.192 (or /26) provides 2^6 - 2 = 62 usable addresses. This option is more than adequate but may not be the most efficient choice.

• The subnet