Chapter 5. Default Routing

This chapter discusses end systems' use of a single local gateway or multiple local gateways to reach devices on remote subnets. Gateways are routers that forward IP packets from one network or subnetwork to another.

This chapter should not be taken as an exhaustive analysis of all possible ways of solving the problem of reaching devices on remote subnets. An entire book could be written on this issue. I hope this explanation of the fundamental problem and the solutions offered will enable you to apply the solutions where appropriate. When the solutions presented here are not appropriate, the information in this chapter will improve your ability to articulate your particular situation when requesting design assistance.

Before proceeding any further, an initial explanation of some terms is necessary.