Difference between Subnetting and Supernetting

A computer network is a group of devices linked together to share resources and data. Each network device has an id number known as an IP address. Subnetting and Supernetting are two methods for organizing IP addresses in a logical order based on the situation. Subnetting is the technique of separating a network into subnetworks, and supernetting combines small networks into an extensive network. Subnetting increases the bits in network addresses. On the other hand, supernetting increases the bits in host addresses. It is intended to make the routing process easier, decrease the routing table information size and require less RAM in the router. FLSM and VLSM methods are utilized in subnetting, and CIDR is utilized in supernetting.

In this article, you will learn about the difference between Subnetting and Supernetting. But before discussing the differences, you must know about Subnetting and Supernetting with their advantages and disadvantages.

What is Subnetting?

Subnetting is a method of dividing a single physical network into numerous smaller logical sub-networks. These subnetworks are referred to as subnets. An IP address is formed by combining a network and host segments. A subnet is created by accepting bits from the IP address host part and is used to split the original network into smaller subnetworks.

The process of subnetting involves turning host bits into network bits. Its approach was originally intended to slow the depletion of IP addresses. It permits the administrator to split a single class A, class B, or class C network into smaller sections. VLSM (Variable Length Subnet Mask) divides IP address space into subnets of varying sizes while preventing memory waste. Furthermore, FLSM (Fixed Length Subnet Mask) occurs when the number of hosts in subnets is the same.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Subnetting

There are various advantages and disadvantages of Subnetting. Some main advantages and disadvantages of Subnetting are as follows:

Advantages

1. Subnetting reduces broadcast volume and hence reduces network traffic.
2. The permitted host numbers in the local area network are increased by subnetting.
3. Subnetworks are simple to handle and maintain.
4. The network security may easily be utilized amongst sub-networks instead of using it on the entire network.
5. It increases the flexibility of address.

Disadvantages

1. You require a qualified administrator to perform the subnetting process.
2. The subnetting process is quite expensive.

What is Supernetting?

Supernetting is the inverse of subnetting, in which many networks are combined into a single network. During supernetting, the mask bits are moved to the left of the default mask. It is sometimes referred to as router summarization and aggregation. It leads to the production of more addresses at the cost of network addresses, where network bits are essentially turned into host bits.

Supernetting is operated by internet service providers (ISPs) rather than regular users to ensure the best IP address distribution. Classless Inter-Domain Routing (CIDR) is a network routing method that is utilized to route network traffic over the internet. CIDR is a supernetting technology in which many subnets are joined for network routing. To put it another way, CIDR allows IP addresses to be organized in subnetworks regardless of their value.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Supernetting

There are various advantages and disadvantages of Supernetting. Some main advantages and disadvantages of Supernetting are as follows:

Advantages

1. The router memory table size is reduced by condensing numerous routing data entries into a single entry.
2. It also minimizes network traffic.
3. It also speeds up the lookup of routing tables.
4. It allows the router to isolate topology changes from other routers.

Disadvantages

1. The supernet's networks must all use the same IP address class.
2. The block combination should be constructed in power 2; if three blocks are required, then four blocks must be assigned.
3. The entire network should be in the same class.

Key differences between Subnetting and Supernetting

Here, you will learn the various key differences between Subnetting and Supernetting. Some main key differences between Subnetting and Supernetting are as follows:

1. Subnetting splits a network into smaller networks. On the other hand, Supernetting combines the subnetworks and merges them into a single network.
2. Subnetting decreases address depletion. On the other hand, Supernetting speeds up the routing process.
3. Mask bits are relocated to the right of the default mask during subnetting. On the other hand, Supernetting shifts the mask bits to the left of the normal mask.
4. Subnetting transforms host bits into network bits and increases the number of network bits. In contrast, supernetting converts network bits to host bits and increases host bits numbers.
5. Subnetting utilizes VLSM and FL techniques. In contrast, supernetting utilizes CIDR.

Head-to-head comparison between Subnetting and Supernetting

Here, you will learn the head-to-head comparisons between Subnetting and Supernetting. The main differences between Subnetting and Supernetting are as follows:

Conclusion

Subnetting and supernetting have inverse meanings, with subnetting utilized to separate smaller subnetworks from one another by dividing a larger network. On the other hand, Supernetting is utilized to aggregate a smaller range of addresses into a bigger one to make the routing process easier and faster. In the end, these strategies are utilized to increase IP address availability and decrease IP address depletion.