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Variable-Length Subnets (VLSM)
The PacketWave System supports Variable-Length Subnet Masking (VLSM). The
essential characteristic of VLSM is that any number of contiguous final bits in an IP
address can define a subnet, meaning that subnets need not be limited to Class A, B,
or C sizes. Using VLSM addressing techniques (such as recursive subnetting) can
simplify routing and allow more efficient use of IP address space.
Figure2-8
shows an example of VLSM addressing in a PacketWave network. A full
discussion of VLSM is beyond the scope this manual, but detailed information can be
found in numerous books and online sources.
Figure2-8
VLSM on a PacketWave System