Which class of IP address is generally reserved for large networks?

The class of IP address that is generally reserved for large networks is Class A. Class A addresses allow for a very large range of IP addresses, which makes them suitable for organizations that require a substantial number of unique IP addresses. A Class A network can support over 16 million IP addresses, making it ideal for very large networks such as those belonging to major corporations or government entities.

Class A addresses range from 1.0.0.0 to 126.255.255.255. The first octet identifies the network, and the remaining three octets can be used for host addresses. This vast number of available addresses provides ample room for expansion inside large organizations.

In contrast, Class B addresses are used for medium-sized networks and possess a smaller range of available addresses—about 65,000—while Class C addresses, which support up to 254 hosts, are primarily utilized by smaller networks such as those in small businesses. Class D addresses are reserved for multicast groups and are not used for standard host addressing. Thus, Class A is the appropriate choice for large networks due to its expansive addressing capabilities.