Close Menu
    Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram X (Twitter)
    Blue Tech Wave Media
    Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram X (Twitter)
    • Home
    • Leadership Alliance
    • Exclusives
    • Internet Governance
      • Regulation
      • Governance Bodies
      • Emerging Tech
    • IT Infrastructure
      • Networking
      • Cloud
      • Data Centres
    • Company Stories
      • Profiles
      • Startups
      • Tech Titans
      • Partner Content
    • Others
      • Fintech
        • Blockchain
        • Payments
        • Regulation
      • Tech Trends
        • AI
        • AR/VR
        • IoT
      • Video / Podcast
    Blue Tech Wave Media
    Home » LACNIC reveals the evolution of netmasks in the internet era
    LACNIC
    LACNIC
    Internet Governance

    LACNIC reveals the evolution of netmasks in the internet era

    By Fiona XuJanuary 27, 2025No Comments2 Mins Read
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email
    • LACNIC details the evolution of netmasks, highlighting the shift from flat addressing to classful and then classless (CIDR) systems.
    • This transition has enhanced routing efficiency and addressed IPv4 exhaustion, informing current practices as the industry moves towards IPv6.

    What happened: LACNIC explores the evolution of netmasks

    The LACNIC blog recently published an insightful article detailing the evolution of netmasks in the context of IPv4 addressing. Initially, the internet operated on a flat addressing scheme, with a simplistic structure that did not accommodate the growing complexity of networks. The introduction of classful addressing in 1981, outlined in Jon Postel’s RFC, aimed to resolve limitations by segmenting networks into classes A, B, and C.

    This approach proved inefficient, leading to the development of Classless Interdomain Routing (CIDR) in the early 1990s. CIDR introduced Variable Length Subnet Masks (VLSM), allowing for more flexible and efficient use of IP address space. This shift addressed issues related to address exhaustion and improved routing efficiency, as routers could now handle contiguous “on” bits in netmasks, streamlining the selection process for data packets.

    Also read: An example of Classless Inter-Domain Routing
    Also read:
     Why use classless inter-domain routing?

    Why it’s important

    Understanding the history and functionality of netmasks is crucial for grasping the broader implications of IP addressing and routing in today’s internet landscape. As the demand for IP addresses continues to surge, the evolution from classful to classless addressing has become a fundamental aspect of network management.

    The transition to CIDR not only facilitated a more efficient allocation of IP resources but also helped mitigate the impending IPv4 exhaustion crisis, a challenge that remains relevant as the internet expands globally.The lessons learned from netmask development resonate across the tech industry, especially with the ongoing shift towards IPv6.

    As organisations move to adopt IPv6, which offers a vastly larger address space, the principles of efficient addressing and routing established by CIDR remain pertinent. The insights from LACNIC highlight the necessity for ongoing innovation in network management as the internet evolves.

    These changes impact everyday users, from improved connectivity to enhanced cybersecurity measures, underscoring the importance of understanding the architectural foundations that support the digital world. The historical context provided by LACNIC serves as a reminder of the intricate interplay between technology and the needs of a growing global community.

    CIDR Netmasks
    Fiona Xu

    Fiona Xu is an intern reporter at BTW Media, having studied Media Management at Hong Kong Baptist University. She specialises in tech reporting and investigative journalism. Contact her at f.xu@btw.media.

    Related Posts

    Telcoptics Solutions Ltd: Transforming fibre infrastructure in Kenya

    July 10, 2025

    Certified Technology Services Ltd: Boosting ICT services in Ghana

    July 10, 2025

    Sky unveils 5Gbps full-fibre broadband with Wi-Fi 7 hub

    July 10, 2025
    Add A Comment
    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    CATEGORIES
    Archives
    • July 2025
    • June 2025
    • May 2025
    • April 2025
    • March 2025
    • February 2025
    • January 2025
    • December 2024
    • November 2024
    • October 2024
    • September 2024
    • August 2024
    • July 2024
    • June 2024
    • May 2024
    • April 2024
    • March 2024
    • February 2024
    • January 2024
    • December 2023
    • November 2023
    • October 2023
    • September 2023
    • August 2023
    • July 2023

    Blue Tech Wave (BTW.Media) is a future-facing tech media brand delivering sharp insights, trendspotting, and bold storytelling across digital, social, and video. We translate complexity into clarity—so you’re always ahead of the curve.

    BTW
    • About BTW
    • Contact Us
    • Join Our Team
    TERMS
    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Terms of Use
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube LinkedIn

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.