when a router can’t determine a path to a message’s destination, where does it send the message?
When a router can’t determine a path to a message’s destination, where does it send the message?
Answer:
When a router is unable to determine a path to a message’s destination, it typically sends the message to the default gateway. The default gateway is a device (usually a router) on a network that serves as an access point or “gateway” to other networks.
Routers maintain routing tables that contain information about how to reach various networks and hosts. When a router receives a packet, it examines the destination IP address of the packet and compares it to the entries in its routing table. If there is no specific route for the destination IP address, the router will forward the packet to the default gateway.
The default gateway is often configured on network devices such as computers, servers, or other routers. It acts as the exit point for packets that are destined for remote networks or hosts outside of the local network.
Once the packet reaches the default gateway, the default gateway will attempt to forward the packet towards its destination using its own routing table and knowledge of the wider network topology. If the default gateway is also unable to determine a path to the destination, it may further forward the packet to another router or gateway that has a better understanding of the network topology.
In essence, the default gateway serves as a fallback option for routing packets when a router cannot determine a specific path to the destination. It helps ensure that packets are not dropped or lost when there is uncertainty about the route to the intended destination.