Default Gateway

The default gateway is where a host sends traffic destined for other networks.

Updated: 2026-03-05

Definition

A default gateway is the router address a host uses to reach networks outside its local subnet.

If the default gateway is wrong or unreachable, external access fails while local access may still work.

Key points

Required for off-subnet traffic
Usually the router/L3 interface for the subnet
Common troubleshooting step

Common mistakes

Wrong gateway configured by DHCP or manual settings.
Gateway reachable but routing upstream is broken.

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