In IPv4, what is subnetting used to achieve?

• A. Dividing into subnets to optimize address usage and reduce broadcast domains.
• B. Increasing broadcast domains.
• C. Assigning static IP addresses.
• D. Converting to IPv6.

Answer: (A)

Subnetting in IPv4 is used to divide a larger network into smaller subnets to optimize address usage and reduce broadcast domains. By creating smaller segments, you allocate only the addresses you need for each part of the network, avoiding waste and making address planning more efficient. Each subnet is its own broadcast domain, so broadcasts stay contained within that subnet; routers connect the subnets and forward traffic as needed, which improves network performance and security. The subnet mask or CIDR prefix defines how many subnets you can create and how many hosts each subnet can support. This approach does not increase broadcast domains; it creates multiple, smaller ones. It also isn’t about assigning static IPs or converting to IPv6.