255.255.255.255/32 (Limited Broadcast)
ReservedRFC 919
255.255.255.255/32 at a glance
| CIDR block | 255.255.255.255/32 |
|---|---|
| First address | 255.255.255.255 |
| Last address | 255.255.255.255 |
| Total addresses | 1 |
| Subnet mask | 255.255.255.255 |
| Prefix length | /32 |
| Type | Reserved |
| Publicly routable | No |
| Defined in | RFC 919 |
Open in CIDR calculator/32 subnet details
What is 255.255.255.255/32 used for?
255.255.255.255 is the limited broadcast address: a packet sent to it reaches every host on the local network segment and is never forwarded by routers. DHCP clients use it to find a server before they have an address.
Overlaps and conflicts
- Inside 240.0.0.0/4
FAQ
What is the difference between 255.255.255.255 and a subnet broadcast address?
255.255.255.255 reaches every host on the local segment and is never forwarded. A directed broadcast such as 192.168.1.255 targets one specific subnet and, if allowed, can be routed to it.
Is 255.255.255.255 a valid subnet mask?
Yes, as a /32 mask it identifies a single host, used for loopback interfaces and host routes. As a destination address it means limited broadcast.