What is the IP address range for Class B private addresses?

The IP address range for Class B private addresses is 172.16.0.0 to 172.31.255.255. This range was specifically designated for private networks, which means these addresses are not routable on the public internet and are intended for use within internal networks.

Understanding the classification of IP addresses is essential in networking. Private address ranges are defined in RFC 1918, which specifies the ranges allocated for private use to help conserve global IP address space. In contrast, the first option is associated with Class A private addresses, and the second option corresponds to Class C private addresses. The last option relates to a reserved range that is not designated for private use at all, thus clarifying the significance of the Class B range in the context of private addressing. This awareness is critical for networking professionals, particularly in scenarios involving network segmentation and design.