TestOut LabSim A+ Certification Practice Exam

How does an IP address class define an IP address?

1. The class defines the default network address portion of the IP address

2. The class defines the default host address portion of the IP address

3. The class determines the reserved and public address spaces

4. The class identifies the geographic location of the address

The correct answer is: The class defines the default network address portion of the IP address

An IP address class is primarily used to categorize IP addresses based on their intended use, especially in relation to their network and host portions. The correct response highlights that the class defines the default network address portion of the IP address. In the context of the traditional classful networking system, IP addresses are divided into classes (A, B, C, D, and E), where each class has a specific way of determining how many bits are allocated for the network portion and how many are reserved for the host portion. For example, a Class A address uses the first octet to identify the network, which allows for a large number of hosts. In contrast, Class C allocates more bits for the network address, making it suitable for smaller networks with fewer hosts. This system enabled routers and devices to identify quickly how to route the packets, as the first few bits of the address indicate which class it belongs to, thereby revealing the default subnet mask associated with that class. While other options refer to various attributes of IP addresses, they do not align with the primary role of an IP address class, which is focused on delineating network and host portions rather than defining public and reserved spaces or geographic locations.