ADDITIONAL LECTURE: VLSM and CIDR

Introduction of Variable Length Subnet Mask (VLSM)

Variable Length Subnet Mask (VLSM) is a technique used in IP network design to
create subnets with different subnet masks. VLSM allows network administrators to
allocate IP addresses more efficiently and effectively, by using smaller subnet masks for
subnets with fewer hosts and larger subnet masks for subnets with more hosts.
In a traditional subnetting scheme, a fixed subnet mask is applied to all subnets in the
network, which can lead to inefficient use of IP addresses. For example, if a network
has two subnets, one with 10 hosts and another with 50 hosts, a traditional subnet mask
of [Link] would be used for both subnets, which means that each subnet would
have 254 available IP addresses. This would result in wasted IP addresses for the
smaller subnet.
VLSM allows network administrators to create subnets with different subnet masks to
more effectively utilize IP addresses. Using the example above, VLSM could be used to
assign a subnet mask of [Link] to the smaller subnet with 10 hosts, which
would provide 126 available IP addresses, and a subnet mask of [Link] to
the larger subnet with 50 hosts, which would provide 62 available IP addresses.
VLSM is widely used in modern networks to create subnets of different sizes and to
optimize the use of IP addresses.
VLSM stands for Variable Length Subnet Mask where the subnet design uses more
than one mask in the same network which means more than one mask is used for
different subnets of a single class A, B, C or a network. It is used to increase the
usability of subnets as they can be of variable size. It is also defined as the process of
subnetting of a subnet. Procedure of implementing VLSM – In VLSM, subnets use
block size based on requirement so subnetting is required multiple times. Suppose
there is an administrator that has four departments to manage. These are sales and
purchase department with 120 computers, development department with 50 computers,
accounts department with 26 computers and management department with 5
computers. If the administrator has IP [Link]/24, department wise IPs can be
allocated by following these steps:
1. For each segment select the block size that is greater than or equal to the actual
requirement which is the sum of host addresses, broadcast addresses and
network addresses. Make a list of subnets possible:
ADDITIONAL LECTURE: VLSM and CIDR

table – possible subnets list

2. Arrange all the segments in descending order based on the block size that is
from highest to lowest requirement.
Sales and Purchase: 120
Development: 50
Accounts: 26
Management: 5
1. The highest IP available has to be allocated to highest requirement so the sales
and purchase department gets [Link]/25 which has 126 valid addresses
that can easily be available for 120 hosts. The subnet mask used is
[Link]
ADDITIONAL LECTURE: VLSM and CIDR

2. The next segment requires an IP to handle 50 hosts. The IP subnet with network
number [Link]/26 is the next highest which can be assigned to 62 hosts
thus fulfilling the requirement of development department. The subnet mask used
is [Link]
3. Similarly the next IP subnet [Link]/27 can fulfill the requirements of the
accounts department as it has 30 valid hosts IP which can be assigned to 26
computers. The mask used is [Link]
4. The last segment requires 5 valid hosts IP which can be fulfilled by the subnet
[Link]/29 which has the mask as [Link] is chosen as per the
requirement. The IP with the mask [Link] could be chosen but it has
14 valid host IPs and the requirement is less in comparison so the one that is
comparable with the requirement is chosen. Thus there is less IP wastage in
VLSM as compared to FLSM.
Advantages of VLSM over FLSM –
1. In Fixed length subnet mask subnetting (FLSM), all subnets are of equal size and
have equal number of hosts but in VLSM the size is variable and it can have
variable number of hosts thus making the IP addressing more efficient by
allowing a routed system of different mask length to suit requirements.
2. In FLSM there is a wastage of IP addresses but in VLSM there is a minimum
wastage of IP addresses.
3. FLSM is preferred for private IP addresses while for public IP addresses VLSM is
the best option.
4. More efficient network utilization: VLSM allows for more efficient use of IP
addresses by assigning smaller subnets to areas that require fewer hosts, and
larger subnets to areas that require more hosts. This leads to more efficient
network utilization and reduces the overall IP address space required.
5. Greater flexibility: VLSM provides greater flexibility in designing IP addressing
schemes. It allows network administrators to create subnets of varying sizes
based on the specific requirements of each subnet, which can be particularly
useful in complex networks.
6. Better scalability: VLSM allows for better scalability of the network as it can
accommodate growth and changes in network topology without requiring a
complete re-design of the IP addressing scheme.
7. Improved network performance: VLSM can help improve network performance
by reducing network congestion and improving the flow of data between subnets.
8. Reduced network management overhead: VLSM can help reduce network
management overhead by simplifying the allocation and management of IP
ADDITIONAL LECTURE: VLSM and CIDR

addresses. This can be particularly useful in large networks where IP address

management can be a significant challenge.
disadvantages:
1. Complexity: VLSM requires more advanced planning and configuration
compared to traditional subnetting, which can increase the complexity of the
network design and administration.
2. Increased management overhead: With VLSM, there may be more subnets
and IP addresses to manage, which can increase the management overhead
and make it more difficult to troubleshoot network issues.
3. Potential for fragmentation: If subnets are created with different subnet masks,
it can lead to IP address fragmentation, where IP addresses are allocated
inefficiently and may not be contiguous.
4. Compatibility issues: VLSM may not be compatible with older networking
equipment or protocols, which can limit its usefulness in certain environments.
5. Configuration errors: Because VLSM requires more advanced planning and
configuration, there is an increased risk of configuration errors. These errors can
cause network connectivity issues, security vulnerabilities, and other problems.
6. Reduced network performance: While VLSM can improve network
performance by reducing congestion, it can also have the opposite effect. If
subnets are not configured properly, it can lead to network congestion, which can
slow down the flow of data.
7. Increased training requirements: VLSM requires more advanced networking
knowledge and skills than traditional subnetting, which can increase the training
requirements for network administrators.
8. Security vulnerabilities: VLSM can introduce security vulnerabilities if subnets
are not properly secured. For example, if a subnet is not properly isolated, it can
allow unauthorized access to sensitive data.
9. Higher cost: VLSM can be more expensive than traditional subnetting because
it requires more advanced networking equipment and software. This can make it
less accessible for small businesses or organizations with limited budgets.
ADDITIONAL LECTURE: VLSM and CIDR

Classless Inter Domain Routing (CIDR)

Classless Inter-Domain Routing (CIDR) is a method of IP address allocation and IP
routing that allows for more efficient use of IP addresses. CIDR is based on the idea
that IP addresses can be allocated and routed based on their network prefix rather than
their class, which was the traditional way of IP address allocation.
CIDR addresses are represented using a slash notation, which specifies the number of
bits in the network prefix. For example, an IP address of [Link] with a prefix length
of 24 would be represented as [Link]/24. This notation indicates that the first 24
bits of the IP address are the network prefix and the remaining 8 bits are the host
identifier.
Several Advantages of the Traditional Class-Based Addressing System of CIDR
 Efficient use of IP addresses: CIDR allows for more efficient use of IP addresses
by allowing the allocation of IP addresses based on their network prefix rather
than their class.
 Flexibility: CIDR allows for more flexible IP address allocation, as it allows for the
allocation of arbitrary-sized blocks of IP addresses.
Better routing: CIDR allows for better routing of IP traffic, as it allows routers to
aggregate IP addresses based on their network prefix, reducing the size of
routing tables.
 Reduced administrative overhead: CIDR reduces administrative overhead by
allowing for the allocation and routing of IP addresses in a more efficient and
flexible way.
 In summary, CIDR is a method of IP address allocation and routing that allows for
more efficient use of IP addresses and better routing of IP traffic. It has several
advantages over the traditional class-based addressing system, including greater
flexibility, better routing, and reduced administrative overhead.
As with any technology or system, there are advantages and disadvantages of using
CIDR:
Advantages of CIDR
 Efficient use of IP addresses: CIDR allows for more efficient use of IP addresses,
which is important as the pool of available IPv4 addresses continues to shrink.
 Flexibility: CIDR allows for more flexible allocation of IP addresses, which can be
important for organizations with complex network requirements.
 Better routing: CIDR allows for more efficient routing of IP traffic, which can lead
to better network performance. Reduced administrative overhead: CIDR reduces
administrative overhead by allowing for easier management of IP addresses and
routing.
ADDITIONAL LECTURE: VLSM and CIDR

Disadvantages of CIDR
 Complexity: CIDR can be more complex to implement and manage than
traditional class-based addressing, which can require additional training and
expertise.
 Compatibility issues: Some older network devices may not be compatible with
CIDR, which can make it difficult to transition to a CIDR-based network.
 Security concerns: CIDR can make it more difficult to implement security
measures such as firewall rules and access control lists, which can increase
security risks.
 Overall, CIDR is a useful and efficient method of IP address allocation and
routing, but it may not be suitable for all organizations or networks. It is important
to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of CIDR and consider the specific
needs and requirements of your network before implementing CIDR.
As we have already learned about Classful Addressing, so in this article, we are going
to learn about Classless Inter-Domain Routing. which is also known as Classless
addressing. In Classful addressing the no of Hosts within a network always remains the
same depending upon the class of the Network.
Class A network contains 224(IP addresses) or 224 - 2 Hosts,
Class B network contains 216(IP addresses) or 216 - 2 Hosts,
Class C network contains 28(IP addresses) or 28 - 2 Hosts
Now, let’s suppose an Organization requires 214 hosts, then it must have to purchase a
Class B network. In this case, 49150 Hosts will be wasted. This is the major drawback
of Classful Addressing. In order to reduce the wastage of IP addresses a new concept
of Classless Inter-Domain Routing is introduced. Nowadays IANA is using this
technique to provide IP addresses. Whenever any user asks for IP addresses, IANA is

going to assign that many IP addresses to the User.

Representation: It is as also a 32-bit address, which includes a special number that
represents the number of bits that are present in the Block Id.
a.b.c.d/n
ADDITIONAL LECTURE: VLSM and CIDR

Where n is the number of bits that are present in Block Id / Network Id.
Example:
[Link]/20
Rules for forming CIDR Blocks:
All IP addresses must be contiguous.
Block size must be the power of 2 (2n). If the size of the block is the power of 2, then it
will be easy to divide the Network. Finding out the Block Id is very easy if the block size
is of the power of 2.
Example: If the Block size is 25 then, Host Id will contain 5 bits and Network will contain
32 – 5 = 27 bits.

First IP address of the Block must be evenly divisible by the size of the block. in simple
words, the least significant part should always start with zeroes in Host Id. Since all the
least significant bits of Host Id is zero, then we can use it as Block Id part.
Example: Check whether [Link] to [Link] is a valid IP address block or not?
 All the IP addresses are contiguous.
 Total number of IP addresses in the Block = 16 = 24.
 1st IP address: 100.1.2.00100000 Since, Host Id will contains last 4 bits and all
the least significant 4 bits are zero. Hence, first IP address is evenly divisible by
the size of the block.