How does the TCP/IP Protocol handle network address allocation and subnetting?

The TCP/IP Protocol handles network address allocation and subnetting through the use of IP addressing and subnet masks.

IP addressing is a fundamental aspect of the TCP/IP Protocol, where each device connected to a network is assigned a unique IP address. The IP address is a 32-bit number divided into four octets, separated by periods, such as 192.168.0.1. This address allows devices to identify and communicate with each other on the network.

Subnetting is a technique used to divide a large network into smaller subnetworks or subnets. It helps in efficient utilization of IP addresses and improves network performance. Subnetting is achieved by using a subnet mask, which is a 32-bit number that accompanies an IP address. The subnet mask determines the network portion and the host portion of the IP address.

When a device wants to send data to another device on the same network, it checks if the destination IP address falls within its own subnet. If it does, the device directly sends the data to the destination device. However, if the destination IP address falls outside its subnet, the device sends the data to the default gateway, which acts as an intermediary between different subnets or networks.

The TCP/IP Protocol also includes protocols like DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) and ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) to assist in network address allocation. DHCP dynamically assigns IP addresses to devices on a network, eliminating the need for manual configuration. ARP is used to map an IP address to a physical MAC address, allowing devices to communicate at the data link layer.

In summary, the TCP/IP Protocol handles network address allocation and subnetting through IP addressing, subnet masks, default gateways, and protocols like DHCP and ARP. These mechanisms ensure efficient communication and management of devices on a TCP/IP network.