IP addresses:
An IP address is like a unique phone number for each device connected to a network. It identifies a specific device both locally and across the network.
An IPv4 address consists of four segments (octets) separated by dots. Each octet ranges from 0 to 255. For example: 192.168.1.39.
No other device on the same network has the same IP address unless you use Network Address Translation (NAT).
Subnet masks:
A subnet mask divides a network into smaller, manageable parts (subnets). It helps reduce broadcast traffic.
The subnet mask determines where the network boundaries lie. For example, 255.255.255.0 (or /24 in CIDR notation). The first three octets of an IP address are static and indicate the network portion.
Default gateway:
The default gateway is always in the same subnet as the end device.
It acts as the "controller" of the subnet. Usually, the first IP address of the subnet is the default gateway. For example: 192.168.1.1.
In short, IP addresses help devices find each other, subnet masks divide the network and gateways direct traffic between subnets.
Subnet calculator from Auvik: - Subnet Calculator - Auvik Networks