In computer networking, a default route is a route that leads to nowhere. A default route is often used to connect a network to the Internet. When a computer on a network wants to send data to a computer outside the network, it sends the data to the default route. The default route then forwards the data to the next hop, which is the next computer on the route to the destination.
The default route is often implemented as a router. A router is a device that forwards data packets between networks. Routers are used to connect networks that use different protocols, such as the Internet and a local area network (LAN).
A default route can be configured manually or automatically. When a default route is configured manually, an administrator must specify the next hop for the default route. When a default route is configured automatically, the router uses the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) to learn about the best route to the destination.
A default route can also be implemented as a static route. A static route is a route that is manually configured and does not change. Static routes are often used in small networks.
The default route is an important part of the Internet. Without the default route, computers on the Internet would not be able to communicate with each other.
