What is the purpose of a default gateway in a network?

What is the purpose of a default gateway in a network?

• A. To divide network traffic evenly.
• B. To enable routing between different subnets.
• C. To provide a failsafe for network connectivity.
• D. To allow devices to communicate with other networks.

Answer: (D)

The purpose of a default gateway in a network is to allow devices to communicate with other networks. When a device wants to send data to an IP address that is outside its local subnet, it sends the data to the default gateway. The default gateway acts as an access point or IP router that forwards the data to the appropriate network, enabling communication beyond the local network. Essentially, it connects devices within a subnet to devices in different subnets or to the internet. This is crucial for facilitating traffic to destinations that are not directly reachable within the local network, thereby enabling inter-network communications. The other options do not capture the primary function of a default gateway effectively. While routing between different subnets is closely related, it describes a broader function of routers rather than the specific role of a default gateway, which is more focused on serving as the point of exit for traffic destined for other networks. Dividing network traffic evenly and providing a failsafe for network connectivity pertain to other networking concepts and functionalities, but do not align with the primary role of a default gateway.

The purpose of a default gateway in a network is to allow devices to communicate with other networks. When a device wants to send data to an IP address that is outside its local subnet, it sends the data to the default gateway. The default gateway acts as an access point or IP router that forwards the data to the appropriate network, enabling communication beyond the local network. Essentially, it connects devices within a subnet to devices in different subnets or to the internet. This is crucial for facilitating traffic to destinations that are not directly reachable within the local network, thereby enabling inter-network communications.

The other options do not capture the primary function of a default gateway effectively. While routing between different subnets is closely related, it describes a broader function of routers rather than the specific role of a default gateway, which is more focused on serving as the point of exit for traffic destined for other networks. Dividing network traffic evenly and providing a failsafe for network connectivity pertain to other networking concepts and functionalities, but do not align with the primary role of a default gateway.