[BlueOnyx:14011] Re: Problem setting interface alias netmask to 255.255.255.255

[Chris Gebhardt - VIRTBIZ Internet]

On 11/13/2013 5:47 AM, Menno Jansz wrote:
>
>
> Well they are saying that if I change the alias ips to have netmask
> 255.255.255.255 then the problem is resolved. But Blueonyx GUI wont let me
> set that.
>
> To be honest I have never got my head round the netmask stuff, but they
> say they force all their other clients to do this otherwise their routers
> get flooded with unnecessary arp who-has requests.

Hi Menno,
I may bring a bit of a different perspective to the table here, which is 
that of a service provider.   In that case, regarding the request to set 
your netmask to 255.255.255.255, I say "what the what?!?!"

That ranks right up there as one of the strangest things I have heard. 
255.255.255.255 is not a proper netmask for a routeable IP address, and 
their request just does not make sense.   They're within their rights to 
ask you not to use a /24 netmask (255.255.255.0), but then again, if 
they have you properly subnetted, that would never be a problem for them 
(although it could cause issues on your end).

I would advise you to reply back to them to provide you the ACTUAL 
netmask to use for the IP's provided, or don't bother with blocking the 
IP's, you'll take your business to a provider who will get you actual IP 
assignments.

The IP addresses they gave you are clearly in a subnet of some type. 
Their refusal to tell you what that subnet is baffles me.   If I had to 
guess, I'd say that they are simply handing you IP addresses out of an 
allocation without concern as to subnetting.  That screams "amateur" to 
me.  The heavy-handed response about blocking your access because they 
have failed to instruct you on a proper netmask has, as you may be able 
to tell, set my teeth on edge.

-- 
Chris Gebhardt
VIRTBIZ Internet Services
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