Netmasks determine what bits of the 32-bit address is network id vs. machine id.
Whatever you choose for the 1st 3 octets with a netmask of 255.255.255.0 IS important only in that all machines must use the same 1st 3 octets. 192.168.0.1 - 192.168.0.254. If you switch to a 255.255.0.0 netmask, then only the 1st 2 octets are important. 192.168.0.1 - 192.168.255.254. > DHSinclair <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: OK, I now use what I read is the Class C private IP address series. > I use 192.168.2xx.x. I am told that my sub-net mask should > be 255.255.255.0. > If this is true, then should not my chosen 3rd quartile of "2xx" really > be a value 0? > Or, does it really mean that my chosen 3rd quartile is somehow > ignored? Yes, I do recall discussion about this last year, but back > then I was using the Class A private IP series......... :) > Thank you for any/all de-mystification. > Best, > Duncan > > > __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
