CIDR block notation

CIDR, or Classless Inter-Domain Routing, is a way to allocate and manage IP addresses more efficiently than the old class-based system. In CIDR notation, an IP address is followed by a slash and a number (e.g., 192.168.1.0/24). The number indicates how many bits are used for the network part of the address. This helps define the size of the network, with more bits allowing for fewer addresses. CIDR improves routing efficiency and helps prevent the depletion of IP address space by allowing flexible subnetting and aggregation of multiple addresses.