Quick Answer
The answer is a /26 prefix length. This is correct because a /26 subnet mask provides 62 usable host addresses per subnet, which satisfies the requirement of supporting up to 50 hosts, while a /24 network can be divided into exactly four /26 subnets, meeting the need for four subnets. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this question tests your ability to apply the formula 2^(32-prefix length) - 2 for usable hosts and to recognize that subnetting must align with the network’s original prefix. A common trap is choosing a /25, which gives 126 usable hosts but only allows two subnets from a /24, not four. Remember the memory tip: for 50 hosts, think “/26 is the sweet spot” because it doubles the subnet count from a /25 while still leaving room for growth, and always subtract two for the network and broadcast addresses.
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 larger IP network into smaller subnets by borrowing bits from the host portion to increase the number of networks.. 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 office needs four subnets from the 192.168.50.0/24 network, with each subnet supporting up to 50 hosts. Which prefix length should be used for each subnet?
/25
Why wrong: /25 provides enough hosts but creates only two subnets from a /24, not four.
/26
Correct. /26 gives four equal subnets and 62 usable addresses each.
/27
Why wrong: /27 gives only 30 usable hosts, which is not enough.
/28
Why wrong: /28 gives only 14 usable hosts, which is far too small.
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
Each subnet must support at least 50 hosts, so /26 is the smallest suitable prefix because it provides 62 usable addresses. A /24 can be split into exactly four /26 subnets.
Key principle: Subnetting divides a larger IP network into smaller subnets by borrowing bits from the host portion to increase the number of networks.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
/25
Why it's wrong here
/25 provides enough hosts but creates only two subnets from a /24, not four.
When this WOULD be correct
In a scenario where a network engineer needs to create two subnets from a /24 network, each supporting up to 126 hosts, option A (/25) would be correct. This would allow for two subnets, each with sufficient capacity for a larger number of hosts than required.
/26
Why this is correct
Correct. /26 gives four equal subnets and 62 usable addresses each.
Related concept
Subnetting divides a larger IP network into smaller subnets by borrowing bits from the host portion to increase the number of networks.
/27
Why it's wrong here
/27 gives only 30 usable hosts, which is not enough.
When this WOULD be correct
In a scenario where the requirement is to create subnets for a network that only needs to support up to 30 hosts each, such as a small office with limited devices, /27 would be the correct choice as it allows for 30 usable addresses per subnet.
/28
Why it's wrong here
/28 gives only 14 usable hosts, which is far too small.
When this WOULD be correct
In a different scenario where a network administrator needs to create multiple subnets for a small office with a maximum of 14 hosts each, using the 192.168.50.0/24 network, a /28 subnet would be appropriate as it allows for 16 IP addresses, accommodating the host requirement.
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. /26 gives four equal subnets and 62 usable addresses each.
Why this is wrong here
A /25 prefix length creates only two subnets from a /24 network, not the required four subnets. While each subnet would support up to 126 hosts, the requirement is for four subnets, so /25 does not meet the subnet count requirement.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
In a scenario where a network engineer needs to create two subnets from a /24 network, each supporting up to 126 hosts, option A (/25) would be correct. This would allow for two subnets, each with sufficient capacity for a larger number of hosts than required.
Why candidates choose this
Students might choose /25 because it provides more than enough hosts per subnet (126 usable addresses) and they may overlook the requirement for exactly four subnets, focusing only on the host count.
Why this is wrong here
A /27 prefix length provides only 30 usable host addresses per subnet (32 total addresses minus network and broadcast), which is insufficient for supporting up to 50 hosts. Although it can create eight subnets from a /24, the host count per subnet is too low.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
In a scenario where the requirement is to create subnets for a network that only needs to support up to 30 hosts each, such as a small office with limited devices, /27 would be the correct choice as it allows for 30 usable addresses per subnet.
Why candidates choose this
Students might choose /27 because it can create more than four subnets, and they may incorrectly assume that more subnets are better or forget to verify the host capacity per subnet.
Why this is wrong here
A /28 prefix length yields only 14 usable host addresses per subnet (16 total addresses minus network and broadcast), which is far below the required 50 hosts per subnet. It creates 16 subnets from a /24, but the host count is inadequate.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
In a different scenario where a network administrator needs to create multiple subnets for a small office with a maximum of 14 hosts each, using the 192.168.50.0/24 network, a /28 subnet would be appropriate as it allows for 16 IP addresses, accommodating the host requirement.
Why candidates choose this
Students might choose /28 if they focus solely on the number of subnets (16 subnets easily exceeds the requirement of four) without considering the host capacity per subnet, or they may confuse the host calculation with a different prefix length.
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
A frequent exam trap is selecting a subnet mask that provides enough hosts but not enough subnets, or vice versa. For instance, choosing /25 seems tempting because it supports 126 hosts, which exceeds the 50-host requirement. However, /25 only creates two subnets from a /24, which fails the requirement for four subnets. Another trap is picking /27, which creates enough subnets but only supports 30 hosts, insufficient for 50 hosts per subnet. Candidates must carefully balance subnet count and host capacity to avoid these pitfalls.
Detailed technical explanation
Subnetting is the process of dividing a larger IP network into smaller, more manageable subnetworks. It involves borrowing bits from the host portion of an IP address to create additional network bits, which increases the number of available subnets but reduces the number of hosts per subnet. In the context of the 192.168.50.0/24 network, the original prefix length of /24 means there are 256 total addresses, with 254 usable host addresses per subnet. To meet the requirement of four subnets each supporting up to 50 hosts, the subnet mask must provide at least 50 usable host addresses per subnet. A /26 prefix length divides the /24 network into four equal subnets, each with 64 total addresses and 62 usable host addresses (subtracting network and broadcast addresses). This satisfies the requirement perfectly, as /26 balances the number of subnets and host capacity efficiently. A common exam trap is confusing the number of subnets with the number of hosts per subnet. For example, a /25 mask creates only two subnets, which is insufficient for the four required subnets, even though it supports enough hosts. Conversely, a /27 mask creates more subnets but only 30 usable hosts, which is below the 50-host requirement. Understanding how subnet masks affect both subnet quantity and host capacity is critical for accurate subnetting decisions in Cisco CCNA scenarios.
Key takeaway
Subnetting divides a larger IP network into smaller subnets by borrowing bits from the host portion to increase the number of networks.
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 larger IP network into smaller subnets by borrowing bits from the host portion to increase the number of networks., 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 larger IP network into smaller subnets by borrowing bits from the host portion to increase the number of networks..
The correct answer is: /26 — Each subnet must support at least 50 hosts, so /26 is the smallest suitable prefix because it provides 62 usable addresses. A /24 can be split into exactly four /26 subnets.
Review subnetting divides a larger IP network into smaller subnets by borrowing bits from the host portion to increase the number of networks., then practise related 200-301 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
Subnetting divides a larger IP network into smaller subnets by borrowing bits from the host portion to increase the number of networks.
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Last reviewed: May 17, 2026
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