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Networking Fundamentals · Intermediate

Default Route

The route 0.0.0.0/0 (or ::/0 in IPv6) that matches any destination not covered by a more specific route.

Definition

Because it has a prefix length of zero, the default route is the least specific match and is used only when nothing else matches. Hosts express it as a default gateway, and routers often point it toward an ISP. A host's default gateway setting installs a default route in its local routing table.

Example

route print on Windows shows 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 pointing to the gateway address.

Exam tip

0.0.0.0/0 means "everything"; it is the route chosen last because of longest-prefix match.

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