Solution

The correct answer is 2046

Explanation:

To determine the maximum number of hosts per subnet for a Class B network with the given subnet mask of 255.255.248.0, we need to follow these steps:

Step 1: Understand the Subnet Mask

1. Subnet Mask: 255.255.248.0

• In binary, this can be represented as: 11111111.11111111.11111000.00000000

2. Subnet Mask in CIDR Notation: 

• The subnet mask 255.255.248.0 has:
  • 16 bits for the Class B network (the first two octets).
  • 5 bits from the third octet (the first 5 bits of 248).
• Thus, the total number of bits for the network is 16 + 5 = 21.
• This is represented in CIDR notation as /21.

Step 2: Calculate the Number of Host Bits

1. Total Bits: In an IPv4 address, there are 32 bits.
2. Network Bits: 21 bits are used for the network.
3.  \(\text{Host Bits} = 32 - 21 = 11 \text{ bits}\)

Step 3: Calculate the Maximum Number of Hosts

1. The formula for calculating the maximum number of hosts in a subnet is: \(\text{Maximum Hosts} = 2^{\text{Host Bits}} - 2\)

    The subtraction of 2 accounts for the network address and the broadcast address, which cannot be assigned to hosts.

2. Substitute the number of host bits: \( \text{Maximum Hosts} = 2^{11} - 2 = 2048 - 2 = 2046\)

Conclusion

The maximum number of hosts per subnet for a Class B network with a subnet mask of 255.255.248.0 is 2046.

Correct Answer: 3) 2046