Subnet
In plain terms
A logical subdivision of a larger network.
Going deeper
Subnetting splits an IP network into smaller segments to organize devices, improve performance, and contain traffic and security boundaries. Routers connect subnets together.
Under the hood
Defined by a CIDR mask (e.g., /24) that sets host capacity; public vs. private subnets and route tables shape cloud network architecture and security.
Examples
10.0.1.0/24, VPC subnets, private DB subnet vs. public web subnet.
Think of it like...
Like dividing a big office floor into departments: each has its own zone, but hallways (routers) connect them.