Yes, using a /22 netmask would increase the number of broadcast addresses compared to larger networks (like /24, for example), but it does not increase the amount of broadcast traffic itself. I will explain this in more detail:

A /22 netmask means that the last 10 bits of the IP address are used to identify hosts within that network.

This provides up to 2^10 = 1024 possible addresses, of which 2 are always reserved (one for the network address and one for the broadcast address), leaving 1022 usable addresses for devices, in theory.

By comparison, a /24 mask provides 2^8 = 256 possible addresses, with 254 usable addresses for devices.

About Broadcast

• Broadcast Address: Each network has a unique broadcast address that is used to send data to all devices on that network simultaneously. For a /22 network, this would be the last address in the block of 1024 addresses. Therefore, a larger network has a single broadcast address, no more. The size of the network (that is, how many IP addresses fit within it) does not directly affect the amount of broadcast traffic.
• Broadcast Traffic: What can increase with larger networks is the potential to have more devices within that network, which could lead to a higher volume of broadcast traffic if many devices send broadcasts simultaneously. However, this depends on the number of active devices and their behavior rather than the size of the network itself.

Practical Considerations

• Network Performance: In large networks, broadcast traffic can consume a significant portion of the available bandwidth if not managed properly, potentially affecting network performance. Network segmentation tools such as VLANs can help control and reduce this traffic.
• Security: With more devices on a single network, security considerations become more critical. It is more difficult to monitor and control malicious traffic on larger networks.

Botton line

A /22 mask by itself does not increase the amount of broadcast traffic, but it does allow for a larger network with more devices, which could lead to increased broadcast traffic depending on the behavior of those devices. The key to managing this is proper network planning and potentially the use of network segmentation techniques to maintain optimal performance and network security.