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What are Last Resort Gateway and Default Gateway?
A network is a collection of interconnected devices such as computers, smartphones, routers, and servers that communicate and share information with each other. To enable communication between different networks, gateways play a crucial role. Two important types of gateways are Last Resort Gateway and Default Gateway.
Last Resort Gateway:
Last Resort Gateway, also known as the Default Gateway of Last Resort, is a network device that serves as a last resort for routing network traffic. It is used when a device cannot find a route to the destination network in its routing table. In such a scenario, the device sends all its outgoing network traffic to the Last Resort Gateway, which then forwards the traffic to the appropriate destination network.
To understand this better, let’s consider a scenario where a computer is trying to communicate with a device on a different network. If the computer cannot find a specific route in its routing table for that network, it will direct the traffic to the Last Resort Gateway. The Last Resort Gateway then takes over and decides the best path for the data to reach the destination network. Operating systems or network administrators typically configure the Last Resort Gateway in devices to ensure uninterrupted network communication.
Default Gateway:
The Default Gateway, also known as the Gateway of Last Resort or Gateway of First Choice, is a network device that devices use to connect to other networks. It acts as the entrance or exit point to a particular network. When a device wants to communicate with a device on a different network, it sends the network traffic to the Default Gateway. The Default Gateway examines the destination IP address and forwards the traffic to the appropriate network.
Consider a scenario where a computer wants to access a webpage on the internet. The computer sends the request to the Default Gateway, which then sends the request to the internet. The Default Gateway receives the response from the internet and forwards it back to the computer. In home or office networks, routers are commonly used as the Default Gateway as they connect the local network to the internet.
Differences between Last Resort Gateway and Default Gateway:
Though the Last Resort Gateway and Default Gateway sound somewhat similar, they serve different purposes in a network:
1. Function: The Last Resort Gateway is used as a fallback option when a device cannot find a specific route in its routing table. It is the final point to which the device sends its network traffic. On the other hand, the Default Gateway is the primary route for devices to send network traffic to other networks.
2. Configuration: The Last Resort Gateway is configured in the device itself, either manually or through dynamic routing protocols, and is used when all other options fail. In contrast, the Default Gateway is typically pre-configured in the device’s network settings, determining the device’s default path for network communication.
3. Usage: The Last Resort Gateway is used only when there is no specific route available in the device’s routing table. It acts as a safety net to prevent network traffic from being lost. The Default Gateway, however, is the standard gateway used for all outgoing network traffic unless there is a specific route defined.
In conclusion, the Last Resort Gateway and Default Gateway are vital components in network communication. While the Last Resort Gateway acts as a fallback option when no specific route is available, the Default Gateway serves as the primary gateway for devices to connect to other networks. Understanding the differences between these gateways is essential for effective network management and troubleshooting.
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