This N10-009 practice question tests your understanding of networking concepts. 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 /29 subnet mask (255.255.255.248) has 3 host bits.. 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 technician is assigned a subnet mask of 255.255.255.248. How many usable host addresses are available in this subnet?
A) 6
Correct. /29 gives 8 total addresses minus 2 = 6 usable hosts.
B) 8
Why wrong: Incorrect. 8 is the total number of addresses in the subnet, but two are reserved for network and broadcast.
C) 14
Why wrong: Incorrect. 14 usable hosts correspond to a /28 subnet (255.255.255.240), not /29.
D) 30
Why wrong: Incorrect. 30 usable hosts correspond to a /27 subnet (255.255.255.224), not /29.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
A) 6
The subnet mask 255.255.255.248 corresponds to a /29 prefix length, which provides 2^(32-29) = 8 total addresses. Subtracting the network address and broadcast address leaves 8 - 2 = 6 usable host addresses.
Key principle: A /29 subnet mask (255.255.255.248) has 3 host bits.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
A) 6
Why this is correct
Correct. /29 gives 8 total addresses minus 2 = 6 usable hosts.
Related concept
A /29 subnet mask (255.255.255.248) has 3 host bits.
B) 8
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. 8 is the total number of addresses in the subnet, but two are reserved for network and broadcast.
C) 14
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. 14 usable hosts correspond to a /28 subnet (255.255.255.240), not /29.
D) 30
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. 30 usable hosts correspond to a /27 subnet (255.255.255.224), not /29.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between total addresses and usable host addresses, trapping candidates who forget to subtract the two reserved addresses (network and broadcast) from the total.
Detailed technical explanation
In a /29 subnet, the block size is 8, so the subnet increments by 8 (e.g., 192.168.1.0/29, 192.168.1.8/29). The first address in each block is the network ID, and the last is the broadcast address; for example, in 192.168.1.0/29, .0 is the network and .7 is the broadcast, leaving .1 through .6 as usable hosts. This is commonly used for point-to-point links or small VLANs where only a few devices are needed.
Key takeaway
A /29 subnet mask (255.255.255.248) has 3 host bits.
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 /29 subnet mask (255.255.255.248) has 3 host bits., then practise related N10-009 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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FAQ
Networking Concepts — This question tests Networking Concepts — A /29 subnet mask (255.255.255.248) has 3 host bits..
The correct answer is: A) 6 — The subnet mask 255.255.255.248 corresponds to a /29 prefix length, which provides 2^(32-29) = 8 total addresses. Subtracting the network address and broadcast address leaves 8 - 2 = 6 usable host addresses.
Review a /29 subnet mask (255.255.255.248) has 3 host bits., then practise related N10-009 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
A /29 subnet mask (255.255.255.248) has 3 host bits.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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