What distinguishes Class B networks from Class C networks?

• A. Class B networks are for medium-sized networks, while Class C is for numerous small networks
• B. Class B has larger addresses
• C. Class B uses fewer hosts
• D. Class B is for experimental networks

Answer: (A)

The concept being tested is how classful IPv4 addressing defines network size by default prefixes. Class B networks use a 16-bit host portion (default mask 255.255.0.0), which allows up to 65,534 hosts on a single network. That makes Class B suitable for medium-sized networks. Class C, with a 24-bit host portion (default mask 255.255.255.0), supports up to 254 hosts per network, fitting smaller networks. So the distinguishing factor is the typical network size and the resulting number of hosts per network, not the numeric value of the addresses themselves. Therefore, the statement that Class B networks are for medium-sized networks, while Class C networks are for numerous small networks, correctly captures this relationship. The other options don’t fit: saying Class B has larger addresses isn’t the standard way to describe the difference; saying Class B uses fewer hosts is incorrect; and Class B being for experimental networks isn’t a defining characteristic of classful addressing.