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 an IPv4 network into smaller segments by allocating bits between network and host portions using a subnet mask or prefix length.. 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 subnet must support at least 62 usable IPv4 host addresses. Which prefix is the most restrictive that meets the requirement?
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: This is wrong because /27 provides only 30 usable hosts.
/26
This is correct because /26 provides 62 usable host addresses.
/25
Why wrong: This is wrong because /25 works but is larger than necessary.
/24
Why wrong: This is wrong because /24 is much larger than needed.
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 is the smallest valid answer. In practical terms, a /26 provides 64 total addresses and 62 usable host addresses after subtracting the network and broadcast addresses. A /27 would be too small because it provides only 30 usable hosts. This is a standard minimum-prefix question because it checks whether you can work backward from the host requirement and choose the smallest subnet that fits.
Key principle: Subnetting divides an IPv4 network into smaller segments by allocating bits between network and host portions using a subnet mask or prefix length.
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
This is wrong because /27 provides only 30 usable hosts.
When this WOULD be correct
If the question asked for the smallest subnet that supports at least 30 usable addresses, then /27 would be the correct answer, as it provides exactly 30 usable addresses.
/26
Why this is correct
This is correct because /26 provides 62 usable host addresses.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "least" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Subnetting divides an IPv4 network into smaller segments by allocating bits between network and host portions using a subnet mask or prefix length.
/25
Why it's wrong here
This is wrong because /25 works but is larger than necessary.
When this WOULD be correct
In a scenario where a question specifies the need for a subnet that can accommodate at least 126 usable addresses, option C: /25 would be the correct choice, as it meets the requirement without exceeding it unnecessarily.
/24
Why it's wrong here
This is wrong because /24 is much larger than needed.
When this WOULD be correct
In a different scenario where the question asks for a subnet that can support a larger number of hosts, such as at least 200 usable addresses, /24 would be the correct answer as it provides 254 usable addresses.
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
This is correct because /26 provides 62 usable host addresses.
Why this is wrong here
A /27 subnet provides only 30 usable host addresses (32 total minus 2 for network and broadcast), which does not meet the requirement of at least 62 usable addresses.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
If the question asked for the smallest subnet that supports at least 30 usable addresses, then /27 would be the correct answer, as it provides exactly 30 usable addresses.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may confuse the number of usable addresses with the total number of addresses in the subnet, leading them to mistakenly believe that /27 could meet a lower requirement than specified.
Why this is wrong here
Option C: /25 provides 126 usable host addresses, which exceeds the requirement of at least 62 usable addresses. However, it is not the smallest prefix that meets the requirement, as /26 suffices with 62 usable addresses.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
In a scenario where a question specifies the need for a subnet that can accommodate at least 126 usable addresses, option C: /25 would be the correct choice, as it meets the requirement without exceeding it unnecessarily.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may choose option C because they recognize that /25 offers a substantial number of addresses, leading them to mistakenly believe it is the smallest prefix that meets the requirement without considering the specific need for minimality.
Why this is wrong here
Option D: /24 provides 256 total addresses, with 254 usable, which exceeds the requirement of at least 62 usable addresses. However, it is not the smallest prefix that meets the requirement.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
In a different scenario where the question asks for a subnet that can support a larger number of hosts, such as at least 200 usable addresses, /24 would be the correct answer as it provides 254 usable addresses.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may choose /24 because it is a common subnet size that many are familiar with, leading them to assume it is a safe choice for any requirement without calculating the specific needs.
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
Avoid confusing total addresses with usable ones; remember to subtract network and broadcast addresses.
Detailed technical explanation
Subnetting is a fundamental concept in IPv4 networking that divides a larger network into smaller, manageable segments called subnets. Each subnet has a network address, a broadcast address, and a range of usable host addresses. The subnet mask or prefix length determines how many bits are allocated for the network portion versus the host portion of the address. The number of usable hosts in a subnet is calculated as 2^(number of host bits) minus 2, accounting for the network and broadcast addresses. To determine the smallest subnet prefix that supports at least 62 usable hosts, you start by calculating the required host bits. Since 2^6 = 64 and subtracting 2 gives 62 usable hosts, a subnet with 6 host bits is needed. This corresponds to a /26 prefix (32 - 6 = 26). A /27 prefix provides only 5 host bits, yielding 30 usable hosts, which is insufficient. Larger prefixes like /25 or /24 provide more hosts than required but are not the smallest possible. A common exam trap is selecting a larger subnet prefix such as /25 or /24 because they meet the host requirement but are unnecessarily large, which wastes IP address space. Another trap is choosing /27, mistakenly thinking 32 total addresses provide 62 hosts. Understanding how to calculate usable hosts and the impact of network and broadcast addresses is critical. In practical Cisco networking, using the smallest subnet that meets requirements conserves IP addresses and optimizes routing efficiency.
Key takeaway
Subnetting divides an IPv4 network into smaller segments by allocating bits between network and host portions using a subnet mask or prefix length.
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 an IPv4 network into smaller segments by allocating bits between network and host portions using a subnet mask or prefix length., 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 an IPv4 network into smaller segments by allocating bits between network and host portions using a subnet mask or prefix length..
The correct answer is: /26 — A /26 is the smallest valid answer. In practical terms, a /26 provides 64 total addresses and 62 usable host addresses after subtracting the network and broadcast addresses. A /27 would be too small because it provides only 30 usable hosts. This is a standard minimum-prefix question because it checks whether you can work backward from the host requirement and choose the smallest subnet that fits.
Review subnetting divides an IPv4 network into smaller segments by allocating bits between network and host portions using a subnet mask or prefix length., 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 an IPv4 network into smaller segments by allocating bits between network and host portions using a subnet mask or prefix length.
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Last reviewed: May 17, 2026
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