A /28 subnet mask corresponds to 255.255.255.240, which means each subnet contains 16 IP addresses. The subnet boundaries in the last octet increase in steps of 16: 0, 16, 32, 48, 64, 80, 96, 112, 128, 144, 160, and so on. The host address 192.168.1.147 falls within the subnet range 192.168.1.144 to 192.168.1.159.

In that subnet, the network address is 192.168.1.144, the usable host range is 192.168.1.145 through 192.168.1.158, and the broadcast address is 192.168.1.159. Therefore, option C is correct. Option D is the first usable host address, not the broadcast address. Option A is just another usable host address. Option B would be the broadcast address only for a /24 network, not for a /28. HCIA-Datacom requires learners to master subnetting because it is essential for IP planning, gateway deployment, route summarization, and troubleshooting Layer 3 communication issues in campus and enterprise networks.