subnetwork

Portion of network

A subnetwork is a portion of a larger network that has been divided for organizational or technical purposes.

In computing, subnetworks (or subnets) partition IP addresses into smaller, more manageable groups, improving routing efficiency and security.

The term applies beyond technology to describe any smaller network embedded within a larger one, such as a social subnetwork of colleagues within a broader professional community.

The IT department created separate subnetworks for each floor of the building.

infrastructure

router

Packet-forwarding network device

switchCircuit-breaking toggle device
firewallNetwork access control system
gatewayPoint of access

hub · modem · ethernet · LAN · WAN · VPN · node · interface · topology · mesh

subnetting

mask

Face-worn concealment

IPv432-bit internet protocol
IPv6Current network addressing protocol
prefixRoot-modifying front element

addressing · partitioning · segmentation · broadcast · bits · notation · range · classless · octet · host

traffic

packet

Small sealed container

bandwidthData transmission capacity
latencyDelay in system response
throughputProcessing rate over time

routing · transmission · protocol · TCP/IP · collision · congestion · filtering · forwarding · hop · path

organizational

department

Distinct unit within organization

divisionSplitting into parts
branchDivision or woody limb
chapterDivision of a book

subsidiary · affiliate · cell · sector · unit · cluster · local · regional · franchise · satellite

Opposites

network hierarchy/scope

subnetworksupernetwork

Unified multi-network structure

network · backbone · wide area network · global network · internet

structural relationship

subnetworktotality

Complete aggregate amount

Family

subnetworks

Familiarity: Top 500,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Rated G