What is net mask in SAP BC-NET - Network Infrastructure?

SAP Term: net mask

• Component: BC-NET

• Component Name: Network Infrastructure

• Description: The network mask or subnetwork mask is a bit mask that specifies how m any bits are used for the network prefix in an IP address. It is used in the IPv4 network protocol when describing IP networks. In IPv6 it is known as the prefix length.

Smart SAP Assistant

• Key Concepts: 
  Net mask is a term used in SAP BC-NET Network Infrastructure. It is a 32-bit number that is used to identify the network and subnet of an IP address. It is also used to determine which part of the IP address is the network address and which part is the host address. 
  
  How to use it: 
  Net mask is used to determine the network and subnet of an IP address. It is usually written in the form of four octets, separated by periods, such as 255.255.255.0. The net mask can be used to determine which part of the IP address is the network address and which part is the host address. 
  
  Tips & Tricks: 
  When using net masks, it is important to remember that the first octet of the net mask must always be 255, and that each octet must be a power of two (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128). Additionally, it is important to remember that the net mask must always be a contiguous sequence of ones (1s) followed by zeros (0s). 
  
  Related Information: 
  Net masks are closely related to subnetting, which is a process of dividing a network into smaller networks or subnets. Subnetting can be used to improve network performance and security by allowing for more efficient routing of traffic within a network. Additionally, subnetting can also be used to reduce broadcast traffic on a network by limiting broadcast traffic to only those networks that need it.