The remote destination
A device does not need the whole path at once.
First, a device compares the destination IP (Internet Protocol) address with its own subnet. If the destination is local, it delivers directly. If it is remote, it sends the packet to its default gateway.
The gateway is not the final destination. It is the next local router, which can inspect the packet and make the next forwarding decision.
Build the model
Four useful roles
Local subnet
The address range where a device can deliver directly.
Default gateway
The local router used when the destination is outside the subnet.
Router
Connects networks and chooses a next hop for traffic.
Remote network
A destination range that cannot be reached directly on the current link.
Mini experiment
Choose the next step
Compare a local destination with a remote one and see whether the device delivers directly or uses its gateway.
A local destination does not need the default gateway.
Knowledge check
Test your gateway model
Answer five questions. The answer order changes each time.