Subnetting diagram - find the configuration error!

[mcse_student]

Ok so, first of all I hate subnetting. Secondly, please find the attached picture. Now, the configuration error in this diagram is 'the subnet mask is improperly connecteed for the network'.

Please someone put me wrong, but so far I think this network will still operate, It just wont make use of having 2 different subnetworks. With the mask of /27, all client computers fall into one IP range, which is 192.168.2.160 - 192.168.2.191. The answer also states that a subnet mask of /28 should be used. If /28 is used, then Client A & B will be in their own IP range, and clients C & D will fall into their own IP range aswell.

As it stands, without rectifying the mask this network should still operate correct?

Thanks in advance guys!

 

[JohnWill]

That will depend on the exact make/model of that router, most SOHO routers don't do multiple subnets, they're strictly one class C subnet.

 

[mcse_student]

Well, this is an example from one of the big blue books for MCSE. This router in the example does support multiple subnets. Thanks!

 

[Wanderer2]

I suspect the issue is broadcast domain. With /27 all four hosts are in the same broadcast address. /28 puts hosts A &B in one broadcast domain [x.x.x.191] whereas C&D is in a different broadcast address [x.x.x.175]

 

[mcse_student]

Thanks for the clarification Wanderer, that was what I thought. So indeed, the network would still operate, it's simply not as efficient as it could be?