What does Variable Length Subnet Masking (VLSM) allow a network designer to do?

### Why this is right VLSM means using more than one subnet mask within an address plan. Different masks create subnets with different address capacities, which lets the designer match subnet size to the number of hosts needed. ### The concept A subnet mask separates the network portion of an Internet Protocol (IP) address from its host portion. In slash notation, the number after the slash gives the number of network-prefix bits. A shorter prefix generally leaves more bits for host addresses and therefore describes a larger address block. VLSM can conserve address space when networks have different requirements. It can also support route summarization when network blocks are arranged suitably. ### The other options - **B. Make every subnet in an address space the same size**: that describes fixed-size subnetting, not VLSM. - **C. Replace routers with switches**: VLSM changes address planning, not the role of network devices. - **D. Remove the need for network addresses**: each subnet still needs an address block. ### Terms - **VLSM**: Variable Length Subnet Masking. A method of creating differently sized subnets by using different masks. - **IP**: Internet Protocol. The protocol that carries addressed packets between networks. ### Remember VLSM means varying subnet sizes to fit varying network needs.