In a network, what is the role of the default gateway?

• A. To define the network structure
• B. To route traffic to other networks
• C. To assign IP addresses to devices
• D. To monitor network performance

Answer: (B)

The role of the default gateway is to route traffic to other networks. In a network, the default gateway serves as an access point or a node that routes traffic from a local network to destinations outside that network. When a device wants to communicate with a device that's on a different network or the internet, it sends that traffic to the default gateway.

The gateway examines the destination IP address and determines where to send the packets, effectively acting as the intermediary between the local network and external networks. This function is crucial because it allows devices within a local area network (LAN) to communicate beyond their immediate subnet, ensuring that data can be sent to and received from remote networks.

Networking equipment such as routers typically perform this gateway function, forwarding packets based on their IP addresses and ensuring that data packets reach their intended destinations. This connectivity is essential for the overall functionality of a network. Without a properly configured default gateway, devices would be unable to access external resources, leading to communication breakdowns for those devices.