Network 255.255.0
The local network with the IP range starting with 255.255.0 is part of the private IP address space defined by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) in RFC 1918. This range is commonly used in home and small office networks. On this page we wil explain how you can use 255.255.0.0/24 for your own home network with the correct settings.
Characteristics
The 255.255.0.0/24 range is designated for private use within local networks. It cannot be routed on the public internet, meaning these addresses are not accessible from outside the local network.Subnet range
The subnet 255.255.0.0/24 includes IP addresses from 255.255.0.0 to 255.255.0.255. The subnet mask is 255.255.255.0.Common usage
This IP range is often used by home routers and small office routers as the default network. Devices connected to such routers (like computers, smartphones, printers) will typically receive an IP address in this range via DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol).Network components
- Network address - 255.255.0.0 - Identifies the network itself.
- Broadcast address - 255.255.0.255 - Used to send messages to all devices on the network.
- Usable IP range - 255.255.0.1 to 255.255.0.254 - Addresses that can be assigned to devices.
Typical setup
- Router/Gateway - The router in such a network often has the IP address 255.255.0.1, which serves as the default gateway for other devices in the network.
- DHCP range - A common DHCP range might be 255.255.0.2 to 255.255.0.254, dynamically assigning IP addresses to devices as they join the network.
- Static IPs - Some devices (like printers or servers) might be assigned static IPs within this range for consistent access.
Example
Here is a typical configuration for a small home network using the 255.255.0/24 subnet:| Router IP | 255.255.0.1 |
|---|---|
| Laptop IP | 255.255.0.2 |
| Smartphone IP | 255.255.0.3 |
| Printer IP | 255.255.0.100 |
| Broadcast address | 255.255.0.255 |
Advantages
- Isolation - Being part of a private address space, the network is isolated from the public internet, providing a layer of security.
- No conflicts - Since this range is designated for private use, there's no conflict with public IP addresses, allowing safe reuse in different private networks.
Considerations
- NAT (Network Address Translation) - To access the internet, devices on a 255.255.0.* network use NAT, where the router translates private IP addresses to a public IP address.
- Network segmentation - In larger networks, segmenting with different subnets (beyond just 255.255.0.*) might be necessary for better performance and management.