Variable Length Subnet Masks (VLSMs) and Discontiguous Networks

Variable Length Subnet Masks (VLSMs)

These allow classless routing, meaning that the routing protocol sends subnet-mask information with the route updates.

IP Addresses

By using a VLSM design, you do not necessarily make your network run better, but what can you save a lot of?

Discontiguous Network

A network where subnets of the same classful network are separated by subnets of a different classful network.

Route Aggregation

This is essentially combining multiple subnets into one larger subnet, and it's also known as supernetting. You would implement this type of route summarization if you required more efficient routing tables in large networks.