how many valid host addresses are available on an ipv4 subnet that is configured with a /26 mask?
There are 62 valid host addresses on an IPv4 subnet with a /26 mask.
Quick Scoop
A /26 prefix means the first 26 bits are network bits, leaving 6 bits for hosts.
With 6 host bits, there are 26=642^6=6426=64 total addresses in the subnet.
In traditional IPv4 subnetting, 1 address is reserved for the network and 1 for the broadcast , so usable hosts = 64−2=6264-2=6264−2=62.
Mini Walkthrough
- CIDR /26 → subnet mask 255.255.255.192.
- Host bits = 32 − 26 = 6 bits.
- Total addresses in the subnet = 26=642^6=6426=64.
- Subtract network and broadcast: 64 − 2 = 62 usable host IPs.
Tiny Example
If the network is 192.168.1.0/26:
- Network address: 192.168.1.0 (not assignable).
- Broadcast address: 192.168.1.63 (not assignable).
- Valid host range: 192.168.1.1 – 192.168.1.62 → 62 hosts.
TL;DR: For any IPv4 /26 subnet, you can assign 62 unique host addresses to devices.
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