CompTIA Network+ Practice Test

What is CIDR primarily used for in networking?

1. A subnetting method that allows for individual network customization

2. Standardizing subnet masks across all networks

3. A method for connecting two or more data centers

4. Managing network traffic through hardware devices

The correct answer is: A subnetting method that allows for individual network customization

CIDR, or Classless Inter-Domain Routing, is primarily used for a flexible subnetting method that enables more efficient allocation of IP addresses and allows for individual network customization. Unlike traditional classful addressing, CIDR does not confine networks to fixed subnet sizes, thus providing a way to allocate IP addresses based on specific needs rather than the limitations imposed by classes A, B, and C. This ability to customize the size of networks based on the actual number of hosts required is particularly valuable in addressing exhaustion scenarios, as networks can be designed with just the right amount of addresses without wasting them. CIDR achieves this by using variable-length subnet masking (VLSM), allowing network administrators to create subnets that better match their organizational needs. The option regarding standardizing subnet masks across all networks pertains more to traditional subnetting principles rather than the dynamic approach of CIDR. While the choice implying a method for connecting two or more data centers and the one focused on managing network traffic through hardware devices touch on networking concepts, they do not directly relate to CIDR's primary function, which centers on efficient IP address allocation and network flexibility.