How it works...

Based on the IP address for a device or member server or domain controller, it will determine the Active Directory site it needs to become a member of.

Subnets use the network prefix notation for network segments. This means the network IP address is noted, followed by the number of bits in the subnet mask. 10.0.0.0/8 denotes a network with IPv4 addresses starting with 10.0.0.1 throughout 10.255.255.254. 10.31.1.1/32 denotes the host with IPv4 address 10.31.1.1.

Subnets with less available IP addresses have precedence over larger subnets. This creates the ability to create a catch-all subnet at the main site and branch off smaller networks to outlying Active Directory sites.