how to have more than 254 clients in a network

[Fox]

Hi

Presently we have 2 networks with around 120 XP systems and 4 servers
each, we are getting another 100 systems with 50 each in both networks,
so far these two were in 2 networks, now we want to bring all of them
into the same network.

The present Network range is 192.168.0.x. Plan is to subnet with
address
192.168.1.X with 254 hosts of the 1st network
192.168.2.X with 254 hosts of 2nd network

We want to segregate a small number of system to another network also,
they will have IP range 192.168.3.X

My question is how can I enable communication between the three
subnets, only some systems need this inter subnet communication, I want
to know how I can do that.

We are getting a Layer 3 Core switch, If I configure VLAN will it
suffice our requirement?

thanks

anth

 

[Phillip Windell]

The present Network range is 192.168.0.x. Plan is to subnet with
address
192.168.1.X with 254 hosts of the 1st network
192.168.2.X with 254 hosts of 2nd network
We want to segregate a small number of system to another network also,
they will have IP range 192.168.3.X

That is fine. Segments should not go above 250-300 hosts because ehternet
will start to become inefficient after that point. A "straight" 254 host
segment is the perfect size.

We are getting a Layer 3 Core switch, If I configure VLAN will it
suffice our requirement?

Yes, that is exactly what you need. Have it deployed and fully configured
before you add all those other machines. The infastructure must be in place
and working before the computers are added.

 

[Guest]

If you want more than 254 ip's in a single subnet then use a different non
routable Ip range such as 10.x.x.x or 172.16.x.x thru 172.31.x.x. Download an
IP calculator that will show you how to subnet properly. A layer 3 switch or
router will allow communication between the neworks.

 

[Phillip Windell]

I wouldn't recommend going over the 245 host that you'd get with a 24bit
mask. Rolling the mask back a few bits to get more hosts should be done
only when Supernetting where the larger segment gets split up at another
routing device futher downstream.