Summarization allows the representation of a series of networks in a single summary address. At the top of
the hierarchical design, the subnets in the routing table are more generalized. The subnet masks are shorter
because they have aggregated the subnets lower in the network hierarchy. These summarized networks are
often referred to as supernets, particularly when seen in the Internet as an aggregation of class addresses.
They are also known as aggregated routes. The summarization of multiple subnets within a few subnets has
several advantages. These include: reducing the size of the routing table; simplifying the recalculation of the
network as the routing tables are smaller; network overhead scalability; and hiding network changes.