Which class of IP addresses is reserved for medium-sized networks?

Class B IP addresses are specifically reserved for medium-sized networks, often used by organizations with a moderate number of devices and users. Each Class B IP address is characterized by a network portion that allows for a larger range of host addresses compared to Class C, making it suitable for businesses that require more addresses but do not need the extensive capacity of Class A.

In Class B, the first two octets of the IP address constitute the network portion, while the last two octets are used for host addresses. This configuration allows for approximately 65,000 unique addresses per network, which is ideal for medium-sized environments like larger organizations or institutions.

Understanding the different classes of IP addresses is fundamental because it helps network administrators effectively allocate and manage IP address spaces according to the size and requirements of their networks. Class A addresses cater to very large networks, while Class C is intended for smaller networks. Class D is reserved for multicast groups and does not fit into the typical network classification for hosts.