What is the function of subnetting in IP networking?

Subnetting plays a critical role in IP networking by dividing a larger network into smaller, manageable subnetworks. This process allows network administrators to organize their network more effectively, improving efficiency and performance. By creating subnets, an organization can isolate groups of devices based on function, location, or department, which simplifies management and enhances network traffic control.

Moreover, subnetting helps in conserving IP addresses and using the available address space more efficiently. For instance, rather than assigning a single large network segment to all devices, subnetting allows for the distribution of IP addresses more suitably across different subnets, ensuring that each segment has the necessary address space without waste.

Additionally, by isolating networks in this way, subnetting can aid in network security and performance, as broadcast traffic is limited within subnets and does not overwhelm the entire network. This containment can also help in troubleshooting and network monitoring.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary benefits or functions of subnetting. Assigning static IP addresses is a separate, though related, task that does not define the purpose of subnetting. Enhancing security through encryption is a different approach entirely, focusing on data protection rather than network segmentation. Establishing connection speeds pertains to the performance capabilities of network links and is