Summary

This chapter has touched on some fundamental issues regarding IP connectivity to non-local networks. This is probably one of the most complex aspects of IP internetworking. Multiple factors need to be considered when deciding the best way to implement connectivity to non-local subnets.

These factors also come into play when it becomes necessary to troubleshoot an IP connectivity problem. It is not uncommon for a network administrator to discover IP packets wandering aimlessly around the network looking for a home. Sometimes these packets are not worth looking into. Other times, when they are wasting precious bandwidth on low-speed circuits, they need to be tracked down and eliminated. The next chapter discusses the next step—introducing some basic troubleshooting techniques and scenarios.