When using classless addressing, what is a significant benefit compared to classful addressing?

Classless addressing offers several advantages over classful addressing, with one significant benefit being the increased flexibility in subnetting. In classful addressing, IP addresses are divided into fixed classes that determine the size of the network and the number of hosts that can be accommodated. This rigidity can lead to inefficiencies, as networks may have more IP addresses than they need or may not have enough to accommodate future growth.

In contrast, classless addressing allows for Variable Length Subnet Masking (VLSM), which enables network administrators to create subnets of varying sizes based on specific needs. This means that a network can be efficiently segmented into smaller subnets that better fit the number of devices. For example, a small branch office can use a smaller subnet, while a larger department can get a larger one, maximizing the use of available IP addresses.

This flexibility not only optimizes address space utilization but also allows for better management of IP resources, catering to differing requirements across different parts of a network. As organizations grow and change, classless addressing can easily adapt to those shifts without the constraints imposed by classful addressing.