What is the subnet mask for the address block 10.1.0.0 with a /24 prefix?

The subnet mask for an address block with a /24 prefix indicates that the first 24 bits of the address are used for network identification, while the remaining bits are used for host identification. In the context of IPv4 addressing, this means that the first three octets (or the first 24 bits) of the subnet mask will consist of binary ones (11111111.11111111.11111111), which translate into decimal as 255.255.255.0.

This configuration allows for a total of 256 addresses in the subnet, with 254 usable for hosts, as two addresses are reserved for the network itself and the broadcast address. Thus, the subnet mask 255.255.255.0 effectively signifies that the network can accommodate a range of devices while clearly defining the boundary of the subnet.