Classful vs Classless Addressing




Classful and classless addressing are methods used in networking to manage IP

addresses. Classful addressing divides IP addresses into fixed classes (A, B, C, D,
E), each with predefined ranges. In contrast, classless addressing, also known as
CIDR (Classless Inter-Domain Routing), offers more flexibility by allowing
addresses to be subdivided into smaller blocks called subnets. This flexibility
helps optimize address allocation and supports the growth of the internet by
efficiently managing IP address resources.
What is Classful Addressing?
Classful addressing was introduced in 1981, with classful routing, IPv4 addresses
were divided into 5 classes(A to E), each with a predetermined range. The class
of an IP address determines the network portion and the host portion based on
its class-specific subnet mask. Classful addressing was inflexible and led to
inefficiencies in address allocation, which prompted the development of classless
addressing (CIDR) for more efficient use of IP address space.
Classes A-C: unicast addresses
Class D: multicast addresses
Class E: reserved for future use

Classful Addressing

Class A
In a class A address, the first bit of the first octet is always ‘0’. Thus, class A
addresses range from 0.0.0.0 to 127.255.255.255(as 01111111 in binary
converts to 127 in decimal). The first 8 bits or the first octet denote the network
portion and the rest 24 bits or the 3 octets belong to the host portion. Its Subnet
mask is 255.0.0.0.
Example: 10.1.1.1
Exception –
- 127.X.X.X is reserved for loopback
- 0.X.X.X is reserved for default network
Therefore, the actual range of class A addresses is: 1.0.0.0 to 126.255.255.255
Class B
In a class B address, the first octet would always start with ’10’. Thus, class B
addresses range from 128.0.0.0 to 191.255.255.255. The first 16 bits or the first
two octets denote the network portion and the remaining 16 bits or two octets
belong to the host portion. Its Subnet mask is 255.255.0.0.
Example: 172.16.1.1
Class C
In a class C address, the first octet would always start with ‘110’. Thus, class C
addresses range from 192.0.0.0 to 223.255.255.255. The first 24 bits or the first
three octets denote the network portion and the rest 8 bits or the remaining one
octet belong to the host portion. Its Subnet mask is 255.255.255.0.
Example: 192.168.1.1
Class D
Class D is used for multicast addressing and in a class D address the first octet
would always start with ‘1110’. Thus, class D addresses range from 224.0.0.0 to
239.255.255.255. Its Subnet mask is not defined.
Example: 239.2.2.2
Class D addresses are used by routing protocols like OSPF, RIP, etc.
Class E
Class E addresses are reserved for research purposes and future use. The first
octet in a class E address starts with ‘1111’. Thus, class E addresses range from
240.0.0.0 to 255.255.255.255. Its Subnet mask is not defined.
Disadvantage of Classful Addressing
 Class A with a mask of 255.0.0.0 can support 128 Network, 16,777,216
addresses per network and a total of 2,147,483,648 addresses.
 Class B with a mask of 255.255.0.0 can support 16,384 Network, 65,536
addresses per network and a total of 1,073,741,824 addresses.
 Class C with a mask of 255.255.255.0 can support 2,097,152 Network, 256
addresses per network and a total of 536,870,912 addresses.
But what if someone requires 2000 addresses ?
One way to address this situation would be to provide the person with class B
network. But that would result in a waste of so many addresses.
Another possible way is to provide multiple class C networks, but that too can
cause a problem as there would be too many networks to handle.
To resolve problems like the one mentioned above CIDR was introduced.
What is Classless Inter-Domain Routing (CIDR)?
CIDR or Class Inter-Domain Routing was introduced in 1993 to replace classful
addressing. Classless Inter-Domain Routing (CIDR) is a method for efficiently
allocating IP addresses and routing Internet Protocol (IP) packets. Unlike classful
addressing, which divides IP addresses into fixed classes (A, B, C, etc.), CIDR
allows for variable-length subnet masks (VLSM). This means that networks can
be divided into smaller, more flexible subnets according to their specific needs,
rather than being constrained by predefined class boundaries.
CIDR Notation
In CIDR subnet masks are denoted by /X. For example a subnet of 255.255.255.0
would be denoted by /24. To work a subnet mask in CIDR, we have to first
convert each octet into its respective binary value. For example, if the subnet is
of 255.255.255.0. then :
First Octet
255 has 8 binary 1's when converted to binary
Second Octet
255 has 8 binary 1's when converted to binary
Third Octet
255 has 8 binary 1's when converted to binary
Fourth Octet
0 has 0 binary 1's when converted to binary
Therefore, in total there are 24 binary 1’s, so the subnet mask is /24.
While creating a network in CIDR, a person has to make sure that the masks are
contiguous, i.e. a subnet mask like 10111111.X.X.X can’t exist.
With CIDR, we can create Variable Length Subnet Masks, leading to less wastage
of IP addresses. It is not necessary that the divider between the network and the
host portions is at an octet boundary. For example, in CIDR a subnet mask like
255.224.0.0 or 11111111.11100000.00000000.00000000 can exist.
Difference Between Classful Addressing and Classless Addressing
Parameter Classful Addressing Classless Addressing

Classless addressing
In Classful addressing IP came to replace the
addresses are allocated classful addressing and
Basics
according to the classes- A to to handle the issue of
E. rapid exhaustion of IP
addresses.

Practical It is less practical. It is more practical.

The changes in the Network ID There is no such

Network ID and
and Host ID depend on the restriction of class in
Host ID
class. classless addressing.

It does not support the It supports the Variable

VLSM Variable Length Subnet Mask Length Subnet Mask
(VLSM). (VLSM).

Classful addressing requires It requires less

more bandwidth. As a result, it bandwidth. Thus, fast
Bandwidth becomes slower and more and less expensive as
expensive as compared to compared to classful
classless addressing. addressing.

It supports Classless
It does not support Classless
CIDR Inter-Domain Routing
Inter-Domain Routing (CIDR).
(CIDR).

Updates Regular or periodic updates Triggered Updates

Troubleshootin Troubleshooting and problem It is not as easy

g and Problem detection are easy than compared to classful
detection classless addressing because addressing.
of the division of network, host
 Parameter Classful Addressing Classless Addressing

and subnet parts in the

address.

 Network
Division of  Host
 Host
Address  Subnet
 Subnet

Conclusion
In conclusion, classful addressing divides IP addresses into fixed classes (A, B, C,
D, E) with predefined ranges, which can lead to inefficient use of address
space. Classless addressing (CIDR), on the other hand, allows for variable-length
subnet masks (VLSM), enabling more flexible subnetting and efficient use of IP
addresses. CIDR has become the standard method for IP allocation and routing,
offering better scalability and resource management in modern networking.
Classful vs Classless Addressing – FAQs
How are IP addresses structured in Classful Addressing?
In classful addressing structure of IP address is :
 Class A: Starts with 0-127, large networks.
 Class B: Starts with 128-191, medium-sized networks.
 Class C: Starts with 192-223, small networks.
 Class D: 224-239, used for multicast.
 Class E: 240-255, reserved for future use.
How are IP addresses structured in Classless Addressing?
In classless addressing, any IP address can be combined with any prefix length.
For example, 192.168.1.0/24, where /24 means the first 24 bits are the network
portion.
Which is more efficient, Classful or Classless Addressing?
Classless addressing is more efficient because it allows for better use of IP
address space. It can accommodate networks of any size, reducing wasted
addresses.
Why did we move from Classful to Classless Addressing?
We moved to classless addressing to overcome the limitations and inefficiencies
of classful addressing. The Internet was growing, and the rigid classful system
could not handle the increasing number of networks effectively.
Classful vs Classless Addressing

Last Updated : 23 Jul, 2024





Classful and classless addressing are methods used in networking to manage IP

addresses. Classful addressing divides IP addresses into fixed classes (A, B, C, D,
E), each with predefined ranges. In contrast, classless addressing, also known as
CIDR (Classless Inter-Domain Routing), offers more flexibility by allowing
addresses to be subdivided into smaller blocks called subnets. This flexibility
helps optimize address allocation and supports the growth of the internet by
efficiently managing IP address resources.
What is Classful Addressing?
Classful addressing was introduced in 1981, with classful routing, IPv4 addresses
were divided into 5 classes(A to E), each with a predetermined range. The class
of an IP address determines the network portion and the host portion based on
its class-specific subnet mask. Classful addressing was inflexible and led to
inefficiencies in address allocation, which prompted the development of classless
addressing (CIDR) for more efficient use of IP address space.
Classes A-C: unicast addresses
Class D: multicast addresses
Class E: reserved for future use

Classful Addressing

Class A
In a class A address, the first bit of the first octet is always ‘0’. Thus, class A
addresses range from 0.0.0.0 to 127.255.255.255(as 01111111 in binary
converts to 127 in decimal). The first 8 bits or the first octet denote the network
portion and the rest 24 bits or the 3 octets belong to the host portion. Its Subnet
mask is 255.0.0.0.
Example: 10.1.1.1
Exception –
- 127.X.X.X is reserved for loopback
- 0.X.X.X is reserved for default network
Therefore, the actual range of class A addresses is: 1.0.0.0 to 126.255.255.255
Class B
In a class B address, the first octet would always start with ’10’. Thus, class B
addresses range from 128.0.0.0 to 191.255.255.255. The first 16 bits or the first
two octets denote the network portion and the remaining 16 bits or two octets
belong to the host portion. Its Subnet mask is 255.255.0.0.
Example: 172.16.1.1
Class C
In a class C address, the first octet would always start with ‘110’. Thus, class C
addresses range from 192.0.0.0 to 223.255.255.255. The first 24 bits or the first
three octets denote the network portion and the rest 8 bits or the remaining one
octet belong to the host portion. Its Subnet mask is 255.255.255.0.
Example: 192.168.1.1
Class D
Class D is used for multicast addressing and in a class D address the first octet
would always start with ‘1110’. Thus, class D addresses range from 224.0.0.0 to
239.255.255.255. Its Subnet mask is not defined.
Example: 239.2.2.2
Class D addresses are used by routing protocols like OSPF, RIP, etc.
Class E
Class E addresses are reserved for research purposes and future use. The first
octet in a class E address starts with ‘1111’. Thus, class E addresses range from
240.0.0.0 to 255.255.255.255. Its Subnet mask is not defined.

Disadvantage of Classful Addressing

 Class A with a mask of 255.0.0.0 can support 128 Network, 16,777,216
addresses per network and a total of 2,147,483,648 addresses.
 Class B with a mask of 255.255.0.0 can support 16,384 Network, 65,536
addresses per network and a total of 1,073,741,824 addresses.
 Class C with a mask of 255.255.255.0 can support 2,097,152 Network, 256
addresses per network and a total of 536,870,912 addresses.

But what if someone requires 2000 addresses?

One way to address this situation would be to provide the person with class B
network. But that would result in a waste of so many addresses.
Another possible way is to provide multiple class C networks, but that too can
cause a problem as there would be too many networks to handle.
To resolve problems like the one mentioned above CIDR was introduced.

What is Classless Inter-Domain Routing (CIDR)?

CIDR or Class Inter-Domain Routing was introduced in 1993 to replace classful
addressing. Classless Inter-Domain Routing (CIDR) is a method for efficiently
allocating IP addresses and routing Internet Protocol (IP) packets. Unlike classful
addressing, which divides IP addresses into fixed classes (A, B, C, etc.), CIDR
allows for variable-length subnet masks (VLSM). This means that networks can
be divided into smaller, more flexible subnets according to their specific needs,
rather than being constrained by predefined class boundaries.

CIDR Notation
In CIDR subnet masks are denoted by /X. For example, a subnet of
255.255.255.0 would be denoted by /24. To work a subnet mask in CIDR, we
have to first convert each octet into its respective binary value. For example, if
the subnet is of 255.255.255.0. then:

First Octet
255 has 8 binaries 1's when converted to binary
Second Octet
255 has 8 binaries 1's when converted to binary
Third Octet
255 has 8 binaries 1's when converted to binary
Fourth Octet
0 has 0 binary 1's when converted to binary
Therefore, in total there are 24 binary 1’s, so the subnet mask is /24.
While creating a network in CIDR, a person has to make sure that the masks are
contiguous, i.e. a subnet mask like 10111111.X.X.X can’t exist.
With CIDR, we can create Variable Length Subnet Masks, leading to less wastage
of IP addresses. It is not necessary that the divider between the network and the
host portions is at an octet boundary. For example, in CIDR a subnet mask like
255.224.0.0 or 11111111.11100000.00000000.00000000 can exist.

Difference Between Classful Addressing and Classless Addressing

Parameter Classful Addressing Classless Addressing

Classless addressing
In Classful addressing IP came to replace the
addresses are allocated classful addressing and
Basics
according to the classes- A to to handle the issue of
E. rapid exhaustion of IP
addresses.

Practical It is less practical. It is more practical.

The changes in the Network ID There is no such

Network ID and
and Host ID depend on the restriction of class in
Host ID
class. classless addressing.

It does not support the It supports the Variable

VLSM Variable Length Subnet Mask Length Subnet Mask
(VLSM). (VLSM).

Classful addressing requires It requires less

more bandwidth. As a result, it bandwidth. Thus, fast
Bandwidth becomes slower and more and less expensive as
expensive as compared to compared to classful
classless addressing. addressing.

It supports Classless
It does not support Classless
CIDR Inter-Domain Routing
Inter-Domain Routing (CIDR).
(CIDR).

Updates Regular or periodic updates Triggered Updates

Troubleshooting and problem

detection are easy than
Troubleshootin It is not as easy
classless addressing because
g and Problem compared to classful
of the division of network, host
detection addressing.
and subnet parts in the
address.
Parameter Classful Addressing Classless Addressing

 Network
Division of  Host
 Host
Address  Subnet
 Subnet

Conclusion
In conclusion, classful addressing divides IP addresses into fixed classes (A, B, C,
D, E) with predefined ranges, which can lead to inefficient use of address
space. Classless addressing (CIDR), on the other hand, allows for variable-length
subnet masks (VLSM), enabling more flexible subnetting and efficient use of IP
addresses. CIDR has become the standard method for IP allocation and routing,
offering better scalability and resource management in modern networking.
Classful vs Classless Addressing – FAQs
How are IP addresses structured in Classful Addressing?
In classful addressing structure of IP address is :
 Class A: Starts with 0-127, large networks.
 Class B: Starts with 128-191, medium-sized networks.
 Class C: Starts with 192-223, small networks.
 Class D: 224-239, used for multicast.
 Class E: 240-255, reserved for future use.
How are IP addresses structured in Classless Addressing?
In classless addressing, any IP address can be combined with any prefix length.
For example, 192.168.1.0/24, where /24 means the first 24 bits are the network
portion.
Which is more efficient, Classful or Classless Addressing?
Classless addressing is more efficient because it allows for better use of IP
address space. It can accommodate networks of any size, reducing wasted
addresses.
Why did we move from Classful to Classless Addressing?
We moved to classless addressing to overcome the limitations and inefficiencies
of classful addressing. The Internet was growing, and the rigid classful system
could not handle the increasing number of networks effectively.