Alexander, 255.255.255.248 netmask produces 16 IP addresses. His starts at 142.179.210.232 and goes to 142.179.210.239... The customary procedure is to throw away 2 of those IP addresses... usually the first 142.179.210.232 and the last 142.179.210.239 in his case. It is not a requirement and it should not be a problem if he uses them. The first one as you pointed out is the NETWORK and it defines the start of his usable IP range. The last one is usually the BROADCAST address. There is nothing though that says these IP addresses are dedicated and can not be used. Thanks, James Kosin
