Subnet vs different network

avisuvarna

What is the difference between subnetting a network vs using different network ranges

For eg i have 160 hosts and i want to divide into two sections

I can either use 192.168.1.1 to 192.168.1.60 for the first and 192.168.2.1 to 192.168.2.60 for second segment

Or i can use subnetting 192.168.1.1/25 to 192.168.1.60/25 for first segment and 192.168.1.129/25 to 192.168.1.189/25


One method uses 1 bit subnetting the second uses different network address . 

Why do i need subnetting while i can simply use different network IP adress,is there a advantage using subnetting or will there be congestion if i use different network ranges on a same network (without vlan or layer3 device)

Neil86

Subnetting divides broadcast domains, so instead of having one large broadcast domain (like in your first example), subnetting a /24 range to smaller ones will divide the larger broadcast domain to smaller ones. That leads to more efficient routing/performance/speeds and yes, it reduces congestion and loads. The subnet mask is what indicates which subnet the traffic belongs to.