Which network address range is typically used in medium-sized networks?

The choice of 172.16.0.0 - 172.31.255.255 as a typical network address range for medium-sized networks is based on its classification as a private IP address range defined by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). This range is part of the Class B addressing space, which provides a substantial number of addresses (over one million) suitable for medium to large networks that require more than the basic capacities of Class C ranges.

Private IP addresses are crucial for internal network configurations, allowing organizations to create their own private networks while conserving public IP addresses. The 172.16.0.0 to 172.31.255.255 range is often utilized in environments such as corporate offices, educational institutions, and similar settings, where moderate-sized networks are common. It strikes a balance between address availability and ease of management for most medium-sized organizations.

On the other hand, while 192.168.0.0 is also a private address space and frequently used in smaller networks (like home networks), it offers fewer addresses compared to the Class B range. The address range 10.0.0.0 is larger and typically associated with larger enterprises or infrastructure. The range 169.254.0.