VLSM notation

VLSM (Variable Length Subnet Mask) notation is a way to efficiently divide an IP network into smaller, customized subnetworks. It uses a standard IP address with a suffix that indicates the subnet mask, such as /24 or /30. The number after the slash shows how many bits are used for the network portion of the address, allowing precise control over the size of each subnet. This helps allocate IP addresses effectively, reducing waste and supporting networks with different needs, while maintaining clear and scalable network design.