Hello list and net gurus,

I am in a big confusion and searching an answer to calm down my mind.

I have my eth0 has following configuration

` ` `
IP 192.168.1.100
mask 255.255.255.0
gateway 192.168.1.1

` ` `

There is also another gateway 192.168.2.1 which provides a different ISP connection. Both the gateways are connected to same HUB. I have changed mask as 255.255.0.0 to access 192.168.2.1 and also set it as default gateway by route command. So now my configuration is

` ` `
IP 192.168.1.100
mask 255.255.0.0
gateway 192.168.2.1

` ` `

I can now access the net (through 192.168.2.1) as well as the PC under the subnet 192.168.2.0 as well as the PCs under 192.168.1.0 "route -n" shows that default gateway is now 192.168.2.1 Every thing is fine and I have the liberty to change the gateway as required. But a question in mind. Is there any wrong effect to set the mask as 255.255.0.0 ? Kindly explain a little.

Thanks

Nothing's wrong with your IP configuration. Netmask is used to determine which part of your IP address is network address. You can use whatever properly netmask you want.

Yes Im agree,

Basicly with netmask 255.255.0.0 you are including your 2 subnets mentioned 192.168.1.0 and 192.168.2.0.

nemask 255.255.0.0 (/16) applied at 192.168.1.0 would extend your subnet lan and include ip range 192.168.1.1 to 192.168.255.254.

Thats the reason you are able to reach gateway 192.168.2.1.

it would be "healt" to set your subnet options to your network desing, ask your network administrator for correct netmask.

Regards!
EFO

Thanks for all your replies and clarification. I can now continue with the settings.