Which statement best describes subnetting?

• A. Dividing a network into smaller logical subnetworks
• B. Creating a single flat network with many devices
• C. Encrypting traffic between hosts
• D. Providing wireless connectivity to a network

Answer: (A)

Subnetting means dividing a larger IP network into smaller, logical subnetworks. By applying a subnet mask (or a prefix length in IPv6), you carve out portions of the address space for separate subnets, creating separate broadcast domains and more precise routing. This improves address utilization, reduces unnecessary broadcast traffic, and can enhance security by isolating segments. For example, a single /24 IPv4 network can be split into multiple smaller subnets like /26s, each serving a portion of hosts. The other options describe encryption, wireless access, or the idea of a single flat network, which do not describe subnetting.