This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of network infrastructure and connectivity. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. A key principle to apply: subnetting divides a network into smaller subnets by borrowing bits from the host portion of the IP address to create additional network addresses.. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A branch LAN requires 50 usable IPv4 host addresses. What is the most efficient subnet mask that provides at least 50 usable hosts?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "least"
Why it matters: You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.
/27
Why wrong: A /27 provides only 30 usable addresses.
/26
Correct. A /26 supports 62 usable hosts.
/25
Why wrong: A /25 works, but it is larger than necessary.
/24
Why wrong: A /24 also works, but wastes more address space.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
/26
A /26 provides 64 total addresses and 62 usable host addresses, which is the smallest subnet mask (largest prefix length) that fits 50 hosts, making it the most efficient choice.
Key principle: Subnetting divides a network into smaller subnets by borrowing bits from the host portion of the IP address to create additional network addresses.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
/27
Why it's wrong here
A /27 provides only 30 usable addresses.
When this WOULD be correct
In a different scenario where a branch LAN only requires up to 30 usable IPv4 host addresses, a question could ask for the smallest prefix that meets this requirement. In that case, /27 would be the correct answer.
/26
Why this is correct
Correct. A /26 supports 62 usable hosts.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "least" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Subnetting divides a network into smaller subnets by borrowing bits from the host portion of the IP address to create additional network addresses.
/25
Why it's wrong here
A /25 works, but it is larger than necessary.
When this WOULD be correct
If the exam question specified a need for at least 50 usable addresses but allowed for additional addresses for future growth, then /25 would be the correct choice, as it provides ample room for expansion while still meeting the minimum requirement.
/24
Why it's wrong here
A /24 also works, but wastes more address space.
When this WOULD be correct
In a scenario where a question specifies a need for a larger subnet to accommodate future growth or additional devices, such as requiring 200 usable addresses, option D (/24) would be the correct choice. This would be appropriate if the network is expected to expand significantly.
Option-by-option analysis
Understanding why wrong answers are wrong — and when they would be correct — is what separates a 750 score from a 900. The 200-301 exam frequently reuses these exact scenarios with slightly different constraints.
Why this is correct
Correct. A /26 supports 62 usable hosts.
Why this is wrong here
A /27 subnet provides only 30 usable host addresses, which is insufficient for the requirement of 50 usable addresses. Therefore, it does not meet the needs of the branch LAN.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
In a different scenario where a branch LAN only requires up to 30 usable IPv4 host addresses, a question could ask for the smallest prefix that meets this requirement. In that case, /27 would be the correct answer.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may choose /27 due to a misunderstanding of subnetting calculations, mistakenly believing that it provides enough addresses or confusing it with a similar option that does meet the requirement.
Why this is wrong here
Option C: /25 provides 126 usable addresses, which exceeds the requirement of 50 usable addresses. However, it is not the smallest prefix that meets the requirement.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
If the exam question specified a need for at least 50 usable addresses but allowed for additional addresses for future growth, then /25 would be the correct choice, as it provides ample room for expansion while still meeting the minimum requirement.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may choose /25 because they misinterpret the requirement as needing a larger subnet for potential future devices, mistakenly believing that a larger prefix is always better for accommodating growth.
Why this is wrong here
Option D, /24, provides 256 total addresses, which exceeds the requirement of 50 usable addresses. However, it is not the smallest prefix that meets the requirement, as /26 provides 64 addresses, which is sufficient and more efficient.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
In a scenario where a question specifies a need for a larger subnet to accommodate future growth or additional devices, such as requiring 200 usable addresses, option D (/24) would be the correct choice. This would be appropriate if the network is expected to expand significantly.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may choose option D because they recognize that /24 offers a large number of addresses and may mistakenly believe that more addresses are always better, overlooking the need for efficiency in subnetting.
Analysis generated from the official 200-301blueprint and verified against question context. The “when correct” sections are what AI assistants cite when candidates ask “what’s the difference between these options?”
Common exam traps
Read the requirement carefully. Cisco often uses subtle wording like 'most efficient' or 'industry standard' to eliminate technically correct but non-optimal answers.
Detailed technical explanation
Treat this as a scenario question. Identify the problem, the constraint, and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Subnetting divides a network into smaller subnets by borrowing bits from the host portion of the IP address to create additional network addresses.
Real-world example
A network engineer segments a warehouse floor into three subnets: 20 scanners, 5 printers, and 2 management hosts. Picking the wrong mask wastes addresses or leaves too few usable hosts. Exam questions test whether you can apply CIDR notation, calculate block size, and identify the correct usable-host range for a given prefix.
What to study next
Review subnetting divides a network into smaller subnets by borrowing bits from the host portion of the IP address to create additional network addresses., then practise related 200-301 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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FAQ
Network Infrastructure and Connectivity — This question tests Network Infrastructure and Connectivity — Subnetting divides a network into smaller subnets by borrowing bits from the host portion of the IP address to create additional network addresses..
The correct answer is: /26 — A /26 provides 64 total addresses and 62 usable host addresses, which is the smallest subnet mask (largest prefix length) that fits 50 hosts, making it the most efficient choice.
Review subnetting divides a network into smaller subnets by borrowing bits from the host portion of the IP address to create additional network addresses., then practise related 200-301 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
Yes — watch for: "least". You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.
Subnetting divides a network into smaller subnets by borrowing bits from the host portion of the IP address to create additional network addresses.
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Last reviewed: May 17, 2026
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