Planning for 29 subnets: To create at least 29 subnets while maximizing host addresses per subnet, how many bits must be borrowed from the host field?

Introduction / Context:
Subnet-count planning uses powers of two. The number of subnet bits you borrow from the host field must be large enough so that 2^(borrowed_bits) meets or exceeds the number of required subnets.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Required subnets: at least 29.
• Goal: maximize hosts per subnet (so borrow the minimum bits that satisfy subnet count).

Concept / Approach:
Find the smallest n such that 2^n ≥ 29. The fewer bits we borrow, the more host bits remain, maximizing host capacity.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Check next lower value (4) fails; next higher (6) would reduce host space unnecessarily.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• 2/3/4: Provide 4, 8, or 16 subnets—insufficient.
• 6: Provides 64 subnets but reduces host counts more than needed.

Common Pitfalls:
Forgetting that modern designs allow using all subnets (subnet-zero included); borrowing more bits than needed and needlessly shrinking host capacity.

Final Answer:
5