is the maximum number of unique IPv4 addresses that can exist within a Class B network

The maximum number of unique IPv4 addresses that can exist within a Class B network is 65,534. Here's how we get this number:

1. An IPv4 address is made up of 32 bits, divided into four octets (8 bits each).

2. In a Class B network, the first two octets are used for the network address, leaving the last two octets for host addresses.

3. Since each octet is 8 bits, this means we have 16 bits for host addresses (two octets).

4. The number of unique addresses is therefore 2^16 (or 65,536).

5. However, two addresses are reserved: one for the network address (all host bits are zero) and one for the broadcast address (all host bits are one).

6. So, the maximum number of unique addresses is 65,536 - 2 = 65,534.