Quick Answer
The answer is 192.168.10.32/28 because a /28 prefix length creates subnets with a block size of 16 addresses, and the host address 192.168.10.33 falls within the range of 32 to 47, making 192.168.10.32 the network address for that subnet. This is determined by identifying the increment in the last octet—since 256 divided by 16 equals 16, the subnets start at multiples of 16: 0, 16, 32, 48, and so on. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this type of question tests your ability to quickly calculate subnet boundaries from a given host address, a skill essential for IP addressing and routing scenarios. A common trap is confusing the host address with the network address—remember that the network address is always the first address in the block, which must be a multiple of the block size. For a quick memory tip, think of the “magic number” method: subtract the prefix from 32 (32 – 28 = 4), then 2^4 = 16 as your block size, and find the nearest multiple of 16 below the host octet.
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: a /28 subnet mask uses 28 bits for the network portion, leaving 4 bits for hosts, which creates subnets with 16 IP addresses each.. 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 host is assigned 192.168.10.33/28. Which subnet contains that host?
192.168.10.16/28
Why wrong: This is wrong because the 16/28 block covers 16 through 31, not 33.
192.168.10.32/28
This is correct because 33 falls within the 32 through 47 range.
192.168.10.48/28
Why wrong: This is wrong because the 48/28 block begins above the host address.
192.168.10.0/28
Why wrong: This is wrong because the 0/28 block covers only 0 through 15.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
192.168.10.32/28
A /28 subnet uses blocks of 16 addresses. In plain language, the last octet ranges move in increments of 16: 0–15, 16–31, 32–47, 48–63, and so on. Since the host address ends in 33, it belongs to the 32–47 block. That means the containing subnet is 192.168.10.32/28. This style of subnetting question is common because it tests whether you can identify the correct network boundary quickly. The key is to recognize the block size from the prefix and then place the address inside the correct interval without confusing the host with the network address.
Key principle: A /28 subnet mask uses 28 bits for the network portion, leaving 4 bits for hosts, which creates subnets with 16 IP addresses each.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
192.168.10.16/28
Why it's wrong here
This is wrong because the 16/28 block covers 16 through 31, not 33.
When this WOULD be correct
If the question asked for the subnet that includes the IP address 192.168.10.33 with a subnet mask of /27 instead of /28, option A would be correct, as 192.168.10.16/27 encompasses the range from 192.168.10.16 to 192.168.10.47.
192.168.10.32/28
Why this is correct
This is correct because 33 falls within the 32 through 47 range.
Related concept
A /28 subnet mask uses 28 bits for the network portion, leaving 4 bits for hosts, which creates subnets with 16 IP addresses each.
192.168.10.48/28
Why it's wrong here
This is wrong because the 48/28 block begins above the host address.
When this WOULD be correct
If the question asked for the next subnet after 192.168.10.32/28, then 192.168.10.48/28 would be the correct answer, as it represents the subsequent subnet in the sequence.
192.168.10.0/28
Why it's wrong here
This is wrong because the 0/28 block covers only 0 through 15.
When this WOULD be correct
If the question asked for the subnet that includes the first usable IP address in the 192.168.10.0/28 range, then option D would be correct, as 192.168.10.0 is the network address for that subnet.
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 33 falls within the 32 through 47 range.
Why this is wrong here
Option A (192.168.10.16/28) is incorrect because it represents a different subnet, specifically the range 192.168.10.16 to 192.168.10.31, which does not include the host 192.168.10.33.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
If the question asked for the subnet that includes the IP address 192.168.10.33 with a subnet mask of /27 instead of /28, option A would be correct, as 192.168.10.16/27 encompasses the range from 192.168.10.16 to 192.168.10.47.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may choose this option due to a misunderstanding of subnetting, mistakenly believing that the first subnet in the range is always the correct answer without calculating the specific subnet for the given IP address.
Why this is wrong here
Option C is wrong because the host IP 192.168.10.33/28 falls within the subnet range of 192.168.10.32 to 192.168.10.47, making 192.168.10.48/28 an entirely different subnet that does not include the host.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
If the question asked for the next subnet after 192.168.10.32/28, then 192.168.10.48/28 would be the correct answer, as it represents the subsequent subnet in the sequence.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might choose this option due to a misunderstanding of subnetting boundaries, mistakenly believing that 192.168.10.48 is close enough to the given host IP to be relevant.
Why this is wrong here
Option D (192.168.10.0/28) is incorrect because it represents a different subnet than the one containing the host 192.168.10.33. The subnet for 192.168.10.33/28 is 192.168.10.32/28, which includes IPs from 192.168.10.32 to 192.168.10.47.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
If the question asked for the subnet that includes the first usable IP address in the 192.168.10.0/28 range, then option D would be correct, as 192.168.10.0 is the network address for that subnet.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may mistakenly choose option D because they recognize 192.168.10.0 as a common network address and may not fully understand the implications of subnetting and the specific range of usable IPs.
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
Be careful not to confuse the host address with the network address or miscalculate the subnet boundaries.
Detailed technical explanation
Subnetting is a fundamental concept in IP networking that divides a larger network into smaller, manageable segments called subnets. Each subnet is defined by a network address and a subnet mask, which determines the size of the subnet and the range of IP addresses it contains. In the case of a /28 subnet mask, the mask uses 28 bits for the network portion, leaving 4 bits for host addresses, which results in 16 IP addresses per subnet block. To determine which subnet contains a specific host IP address, you calculate the subnet blocks by incrementing the last octet by the block size, which is 16 for a /28 mask. The subnets start at 0, 16, 32, 48, and so forth. Since the host IP address 192.168.10.33 falls between 32 and 47, it belongs to the 192.168.10.32/28 subnet. This method allows network engineers to quickly identify subnet boundaries and assign IP addresses correctly. A common exam trap is confusing the host address with the subnet address or miscalculating the block size. For example, assuming 192.168.10.33 belongs to the 192.168.10.16/28 subnet is incorrect because that subnet covers only 16 through 31. Understanding the block increments and correctly applying the subnet mask is crucial in Cisco CCNA exams and real-world network design to avoid misconfigurations and IP conflicts.
Key takeaway
A /28 subnet mask uses 28 bits for the network portion, leaving 4 bits for hosts, which creates subnets with 16 IP addresses each.
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 a /28 subnet mask uses 28 bits for the network portion, leaving 4 bits for hosts, which creates subnets with 16 IP addresses each., 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 — A /28 subnet mask uses 28 bits for the network portion, leaving 4 bits for hosts, which creates subnets with 16 IP addresses each..
The correct answer is: 192.168.10.32/28 — A /28 subnet uses blocks of 16 addresses. In plain language, the last octet ranges move in increments of 16: 0–15, 16–31, 32–47, 48–63, and so on. Since the host address ends in 33, it belongs to the 32–47 block. That means the containing subnet is 192.168.10.32/28. This style of subnetting question is common because it tests whether you can identify the correct network boundary quickly. The key is to recognize the block size from the prefix and then place the address inside the correct interval without confusing the host with the network address.
Review a /28 subnet mask uses 28 bits for the network portion, leaving 4 bits for hosts, which creates subnets with 16 IP addresses each., then practise related 200-301 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
A /28 subnet mask uses 28 bits for the network portion, leaving 4 bits for hosts, which creates subnets with 16 IP addresses each.
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Last reviewed: May 17, 2026
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