Hello Raoul
Yes, it is possible to have a /16 subnet on a network like 192.168.1.144 (I’m assuming the 262144 you wrote was a typo). Actually, you can have any subnet size on any range of IP addresses if you are working in a classless environment. So 192.168.1.144/16 simply means that you have the following:
192.168.0.0 is the network address
192.168.0.1 is the first host address
192.168.255.254 is the last host address
192.168.255.255 is the broadcast address.
Using Cisco equipment, you have no problem in configuring something like this. However, some other vendors, especially commercial grade routers, access points, switches, IP cameras, and other devices may have a restriction on the size of the subnet. Many of these devices have a classless networking behaviour hardwired into their circuitry. In such cases you will have to conform to whatever limitations you have.
I hope this has been helpful!
Laz