Using Subnets

The use of subnets is connected with the need for administrative subdivisions to address issues of size and control. The more hosts and servers that you have in a network, the more complex your management task. By creating administrative divisions and using subnets, management of a complex network becomes easier. The decision about setting up administrative subdivisions for your network is determined by the following factors:

• Size of the network

  Subnets are also useful even in a relatively small network whose subdivisions are located across an extensive geographical area.

• Common needs shared by groups of users

  For example, you might have a network that is confined to a single building and supports a relatively small number of machines. These machines are divided among a number of subnetworks. Each subnetwork supports groups of users with different needs. In this example, you might use an administrative subdivision for each subnet.

For a general description, see What Is Subnetting? in System Administration Guide: IP Services.