What is the smallest network mask that supports 61 connected devices?

To determine the smallest network mask that can accommodate 61 connected devices, you need to understand how many hosts each subnet mask can support.

A subnet mask in the format of 255.255.255.X refers to the number of bits allocated for the network and the number of bits available for hosts. The formula to calculate the number of usable hosts in a subnet is (2^n - 2), where (n) is the number of bits available for hosts. The subtraction of 2 accounts for the network and broadcast addresses that cannot be assigned to devices.

When examining the possible options:

• The subnet mask of 255.255.255.0 uses a total of 24 bits for the network, leaving 8 bits for hosts. Calculation gives (2^8 - 2 = 256 - 2 = 254) usable addresses. This option is certainly sufficient for 61 devices, but it's not the smallest mask.

• The mask 255.255.255.128 provides 7 bits for hosts. This results in (2^7 - 2 = 128 - 2 = 126) usable addresses. While it can support 61 devices, it is still larger than what might