A Guide to Know its Working and Associated Terms

Supernet is a process of merging multiple small networks or subnets to make a larger network. This enhances the efficiency and stability of the network. It reduces the size and difficulty related to routing tables. Supernet is also known as prefix aggregation, route aggregation, and route summarization.

To create a supernet, one needs to use a routing protocol that supports Classless Inter-Domain Routing (CIDR). This permits the user to define the network.

Moreover, it has some benefits too. Subnets are combined to form a supernet. Hence, the task is simplified as the user needs to make one entry instead of making several entries in subnets. The single entry saves the memory space. It also saves the time for routers. This leads to less expenditure of time in routing updates too.T

Terms Related to Supernetting

IP Address: This is a string of numbers given to identify individual users on the known network. This number is unique. About a billion of IP addresses exist and trillion are available.

IP address is made of two elements. The first is the network address and the second is the host address. Network address recognizes the network address on which the device is placed. On the other hand, the host address recognizes which host is present on that particular network.

Subnet Mask: It is the process of dividing IP addresses into two significant parts that is the network address and the host address.

Subnet: It is also referred to as Subnetwork. It is a smaller piece of a larger network. It identifies the devices which are on the single network

Supernet: It is also called Supernetwork. It is a process that involves the combining of one larger network using classless interdomain routing (CIDR) notation.

CIDR: IP address routing used in super netting. It merges multiple subnets into one larger supernet, organizing IP addresses and optimizing address distribution.

Routing Table: It is a collection of data with a router and network containing sets of information for directing traffic.

Some Drawbacks and Risks of Supernet

Supernet has some drawbacks and risks. It can introduce interoperability issues with older routing protocols that do not support CIDR or with devices that have hard-cooled subnet masks. It can also affect the performance and security of the network as it may increase the traffic and explore more hosts for potential attacks.

Therefore, it requires alertness, planning, and testing before supernetting. It is also advisable to use supernets after research as per needs.One drawback linked to CIDR is that it is very complex compared to a classful addressing system and the need for new routing protocols that support the CIDR.

Furthermore, interconnected networks can also enable pooled infrastructure and resources reducing the costs and increasing overall effectiveness. The conversion of two contagious networks is simple. Just convert the networks into binaries, and compare the bits of the 2 networks. Till where it has a similar pattern use a subnet mask bit of 1 and after that 0. Use the altered subnet mask for two networks.

Summary

In conclusion, Supernet reduces the traffic over the network on the internet. It also saves memory space as it collects the number of routing information entries into a single entry. Hence, it allows efficient routing.

Andrew is a blockchain developer who developed his interest in cryptocurrencies while his post-graduation. He is a keen observer of details and shares his passion for writing along with being a developer. His backend knowledge about blockchain helps him give a unique perspective to his writing