What is the purpose of a subnet mask?

A subnet mask plays a crucial role in determining which portion of an IP address identifies the network and which part identifies the host. It does this by using a series of bits that correspond to the bits of the IP address. In essence, a subnet mask "masks" the IP address, allowing the network components to differentiate between the network ID and the host ID.

For example, in a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0, the first three sets of numbers indicate the network part, while the last set (the zero) identifies the host part within that network. This differentiation is essential for routing packets accurately within and between different networks. Without a proper subnet mask, devices would not be able to communicate effectively because they wouldn't know where to send data intended for a specific host or network. This understanding is fundamental in network configuration and management, allowing for efficient IP address allocation and effective traffic management across network segments.

The other options do not accurately represent the primary function of the subnet mask. Enhancing network speed can be influenced by many factors, but it is not a direct function of a subnet mask. Encrypting data is a separate process related to security rather than address structuring. Identifying network hardware pertains to hardware addressing and