Default Route (0.0.0.0/0)

A default route sends traffic for unknown destinations to a next hop (gateway).

Updated: 2026-03-05

Definition

A default route is used when no more specific route matches the destination.

It’s commonly used to route internet-bound traffic to an upstream router or firewall.

Key points

Used for 'everything else'
Often points to edge firewall/router
Must be correct to avoid blackholing traffic

Common mistakes

Wrong next hop causing no internet access.
Accidentally creating routing loops with multiple defaults.

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