Start practice test
Back to IP Addressing
Guide to Supernetting for CompTIA Network+

What is Supernetting?
Supernetting, also known as Classless Inter-Domain Routing (CIDR), is a technique used in IP address networking management. This method is used to decrease the usage of IP addresses by combining networks with the same initial bits into one network.

Why is Supernetting Important?
Supernetting helps manage and conserve the limited IPv4 addressing space. It aids in reducing the size of routing tables and hence, improves efficiency.

How does Supernetting work?
Supernetting works by combining smaller networks into larger ones. In other words, it's aggregating multiple networks into a single larger network. In order to perform supernetting, one needs to convert the IP addresses to binary format, perform logical OR operation on the network bits and then convert back to decimal form.

Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Supernetting
1. Understand the Binary: Having basic binary conversion skills will help a lot in answering supernetting problems.
2. Practice Problems: Besides understanding how supernetting works, practicing numerous supernetting exercises will help you to answer questions more quickly in the exam.
3. Review Network Basics: Make sure you understand the basics of network addressing, especially the differences among Class A, B and C networks.
4. Understand Subnetting: Supernetting is in essence the opposite process of subnetting. So, having a solid understanding on subnetting will also be beneficial.

image/svg+xml
Go Premium

CompTIA Network+ Preparation Package (2024)

  • 2881 Superior-grade CompTIA Network+ practice questions.
  • Accelerated Mastery: Deep dive into critical topics to fast-track your mastery.
  • Unlock Effortless CompTIA Network+ preparation: 5 full exams.
  • 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed: Full refund with no questions if unsatisfied.
  • Bonus: If you upgrade now you get upgraded access to all courses
  • Risk-Free Decision: Start with a 7-day free trial - get premium features at no cost!
Supernetting practice test

Supernetting, also known as Classless Inter-Domain Routing (CIDR) aggregation, is a method of combining multiple contiguous IP address ranges into a single larger range. This is particularly useful for reducing the size of routing tables, making the routing process more efficient and reducing the overhead associated with maintaining complex routing tables. Supernetting reduces the number of individual entries in a routing table by combining multiple smaller networks with similar network addresses into a single, larger routing entry. This is accomplished by reducing the number of bits used for the network prefix in the subnet mask, effectively merging networks with adjacent address spaces. Supernetting helps conserve IP address space and can be used to optimize route summarization in large networks, improving routing efficiency and reducing administrative overhead.

Time: 5 minutes   Questions: 5

Test mode:
Start practice test

Practice more Supernetting questions

More Supernetting questions
14 questions (total)
Start 14 question test
image/svg+xml
Go Premium

CompTIA Network+ Preparation Package (2024)

  • 2881 Superior-grade CompTIA Network+ practice questions.
  • Accelerated Mastery: Deep dive into critical topics to fast-track your mastery.
  • Unlock Effortless CompTIA Network+ preparation: 5 full exams.
  • 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed: Full refund with no questions if unsatisfied.
  • Bonus: If you upgrade now you get upgraded access to all courses
  • Risk-Free Decision: Start with a 7-day free trial - get premium features at no cost!