What is subnet mask? If you try to explain it visually, you can imagine the network ID as a street name, and the computer ID as a house number on the same street. Take, for example, the address "Troitskaya, 15", where "15" will be the computer identifier, and "Troitskaya" - the network identifier. The subnet mask indicates which part of the IP address is the network ID and which part is the host ID. How do I determine the subnet mask? There are several ways to do this.
Instructions
Step 1
The first way is that the subnet mask is specified in the properties of the network connection. And in order to view it, you need to go to the following address: For Windows XP. "Start" -> "Settings" -> "Control Panel" -> "Network Connections". Right-click on an active connection. In the window that opens, in the list of protocols, find "Internet Protocol (TCP / IP)" and click the "Properties" button. In the settings window that opens, in the corresponding line you will see the subnet mask. For Windows 7. "Start" -> "Control Panel" -> "Network and Internet" -> "View network status and tasks". In the list of active networks, click on an active connection. In the window that opens, click "Details". In the resulting list, the corresponding line will contain the subnet mask.
Step 2
Most often it happens that the computer receives all the connection settings automatically, and they are not specified in the connection properties. In this case, method number two will come to the rescue. First you need to open a Windows command prompt. This can be done by going to the address: "Start" -> "All Programs" -> "Accessories" -> "Command Line". Or: "Start ->" Run cmd.exe ". After that, a command line window will open in front of you. In it you need to write the ipconfig command. Enter the command, press Enter, and a list with network settings appears in the command line window. It remains only among them find the subnet mask.
