Netmask

1 definition found

From The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (27 SEP 03) [foldoc]:

  netmask
       
           A 32-bit {bit mask} which shows how an {Internet
          address} is to be divided into network, {subnet} and host
          parts.  The netmask has ones in the bit positions in the 32-bit address
       which are to be used for the network and subnet


          parts, and zeros for the host part.  The mask should contain
          at least the standard network portion (as determined by the
          address's {class}), and the subnet field should be contiguous
          with the network portion.
       
          If a `+' (plus sign) is given for the netmask value, then the
          network number is looked up in the {NIS} netmasks.byaddr map
          (or in the /etc/netmasks) file if not running the NIS service.
       
          {Unix manual page}: ifconfig(8).
       
          (1995-01-30)