Question 40

VLSM is the appropriate solution for the network technician's needs.

VLSM, or Variable Length Subnet Masking, allows for the creation of subnets of different sizes within the same network. This capability makes it ideal for efficiently allocating address space for the various host requirements in the given scenario.

A) CIDR

CIDR, or Classless Inter-Domain Routing, is a method used for allocating IP addresses and routing IP packets. While it provides flexibility in address assignment, it does not specifically address the need for different subnet sizes as required in this scenario, making it less suitable than VLSM.

B) APIPA

APIPA, or Automatic Private IP Addressing, is a feature used by Windows operating systems to assign a link-local IP address when a DHCP server is not available. This option is irrelevant to the technician's requirement for structured subnetting and is not suitable for managing host count effectively.

C) VLSM

VLSM allows the network technician to create subnets of varying sizes, which is essential in this case where different subnets are needed for different host capacities. It enables the efficient use of IP addresses by allocating just enough space for each subnet according to its specific needs.

D) RFC 1918

RFC 1918 specifies private IP address ranges that are not routable on the public internet. While it offers guidelines for using private addresses, it does not provide a mechanism for creating subnets of varying sizes, thus making it ineffective for the technician's requirement for multiple subnet sizes.

Conclusion

VLSM is the best choice for the technician's needs as it allows for the creation of subnets tailored to the specific number of hosts required in each case. Other options, such as CIDR and RFC 1918, do not provide the necessary subnetting flexibility, while APIPA is not applicable in this context. Therefore, VLSM is the definitive solution for efficiently managing the address space in the Class C network.