The answer is a /26 subnet mask, which is 255.255.255.192. This is the correct choice because to support 50 devices, you need at least 52 usable IP addresses—50 for the hosts plus 2 reserved for the network and broadcast addresses. A /26 subnet provides 62 usable hosts, making it the smallest subnet that comfortably accommodates 50 devices without wasting addresses, unlike a /25 which offers 126 hosts and would waste over half the range. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this tests your ability to calculate subnet sizes based on host requirements, often appearing in scenario-based questions where you must pick the most efficient mask from a list. A common trap is forgetting to add the 2 reserved addresses or choosing a /24 (254 hosts) out of habit, which wastes IP space. For a quick memory tip, remember that a /26 gives you 62 hosts—just think “2 to the 6th power minus 2” (64 minus 2) for the six host bits remaining after the 26 network bits.
220-1201 IP Addressing Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of ip addressing. 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. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. 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 network administrator is designing a new subnet scheme for a company with 4 departments: Sales (50 devices), HR (25 devices), IT (10 devices), and Management (5 devices). The company uses the 10.0.0.0/8 network. To minimize wasted IP addresses, which subnet mask should be used for the Sales department?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "minimum / minimize"
Why it matters: Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
255.255.255.192
To accommodate 50 devices, you need at least 52 usable addresses (50 + 2 for network and broadcast). A /26 subnet mask (255.255.255.192) provides 62 usable hosts, which is the smallest subnet that can support 50 devices without wasting many addresses.
Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
255.255.255.0
Why it's wrong here
A /24 subnet provides 254 usable hosts, which is far more than needed for 50 devices and would waste IP addresses.
✓
255.255.255.192
Why this is correct
A /26 subnet provides 62 usable hosts, which is sufficient for 50 devices and minimizes waste.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
A /27 subnet provides 30 usable hosts, which is not enough for 50 devices.
✗
255.255.255.240
Why it's wrong here
A /28 subnet provides 14 usable hosts, which is far too few for 50 devices.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: usable hosts are not the same as total addresses
Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Subnetting questions test whether you can identify the network, broadcast address, usable range, mask and correct subnet. Slow down enough to calculate the block size correctly.
KKey Concepts to Remember
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
Block size helps identify subnet boundaries.
Network and broadcast addresses are not usable hosts in normal IPv4 subnets.
The required host count determines the smallest suitable subnet.
TExam Day Tips
→Write the block size before choosing the subnet.
→Check whether the question asks for hosts, subnets or a specific address range.
→Do not confuse /24, /25, /26 and /27 host counts.
Key takeaway
Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1201 question in full detail.
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related 220-1201 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
IP Addressing — This question tests IP Addressing — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: 255.255.255.192 — To accommodate 50 devices, you need at least 52 usable addresses (50 + 2 for network and broadcast). A /26 subnet mask (255.255.255.192) provides 62 usable hosts, which is the smallest subnet that can support 50 devices without wasting many addresses.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related 220-1201 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "minimum / minimize". Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
What is the key concept behind this question?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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