Palo Alto Networks (PANW) Certified Cybersecurity Entry-level Technician (PCCET) Practice Exam

What is the theoretical maximum number of devices in a class B?

1. 2^24-2 = 16777214

2. 2^20-2 = 1048574

3. 2^16-2 = 65534

4. 2^8-2 = 254

The correct answer is: 2^16-2 = 65534

In a Class B network, the subnet mask is typically 255.255.0.0, which uses the first 16 bits for the network portion and the remaining 16 bits for the host portion. The host portion is where devices (hosts) on the network are addressed. To determine the maximum number of usable host addresses in a Class B network, you calculate the total number of combinations available with the 16 bits designated for hosts, which is 2^16 (65536). However, in any network, two addresses are reserved: one for the network address and one for the broadcast address. Therefore, the actual number of usable addresses is calculated as follows: Total usable addresses = Total addresses - Reserved addresses = 2^16 - 2 = 65536 - 2 = 65534 This calculation reveals that the maximum theoretical number of devices that can be supported in a Class B network is indeed 65534. Thus, the correct interpretation of the maximum number of devices aligns directly with the provided answer that shows these computations accurately.