Question:

If an IP network uses a subnet mask of 255.255.240.0, the maximum number of IP
addresses that can be assigned to network interfaces is __________. (answer in
integer)

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Count the host bits from the subnet mask, compute 2 raised to that power for total addresses, then subtract 2 for the network and broadcast addresses.
Updated On: Aug 4, 2026
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Correct Answer: 4094

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: The subnet mask \(255.255.240.0\) in binary is \(11111111.11111111.11110000.00000000\), which has \(20\) network bits, so this is a \(/20\) network.
Step 2: The number of host bits is \(32 - 20 = 12\).
Step 3: The total number of addresses in this subnet is \(2^{12} = 4096\).
Step 4: Out of these, one address is reserved as the network address (all host bits 0) and one is reserved as the broadcast address (all host bits 1). These two addresses cannot be assigned to interfaces.
Step 5: The maximum number of usable IP addresses that can be assigned to network interfaces is \(4096 - 2 = 4094\).
Final Answer: \[\boxed{4094}\]
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