What is the maximum number of IP addresses that can be assigned to hosts on a local subnet that use the 255.255.255.224 subnet mask?

A. 14
B. 15
C. 16
D. 30
E. 31
F. 32


Answer: D


Explanation:
The subnet mask 255.255.255.224 means that there are 27 network bits. The remaining 5 bits are the host bits. The maximum possible combinations with 5 bits are 25 = 32. As all zero's and all one's hosts are not allowed so, maximum number of valid hosts with the mask 255.255.255.224 are 25 -2 =32-2 = 30 Hosts