Network administrators working on network devices come across terms “IP Default-Gateway” and “IP route” while configuring IP communication in the network.This article will help understand comparison between both “IP Default-Gateway” and “IP route“.With both the terms being configured in the Global configuration mode of Router or Switch ,they may be used on based on type of requirement. “IP Default-Gateway” is generally configured on Layer 2 switches for management access while “IP Route 0.0.0.0” is used for Layer 3 Switches and Routers for gateway of last resort on a router.
Below table shares the differences between “IP Default-Gateway” and “IP route 0.0.0.0” –
PARAMETER | “IP DEFAULT-GATEWAY” | “IP ROUTE 0.0.0.0” |
|---|---|---|
| Terminology | To reach any network outside its own subnet or outside of its[p2p type=”slug” value=”what-is-local-area-network”] LAN[/p2p] network, the device needs to have a default-gateway. | This command sets a default route for destination subnets not in routing table. After this command is entered it will show a “gateway of last resort” configured in your ip route table. |
| Command format | ip default-gateway x.x.x.x | ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 next-hop-ip/exit-interface |
| Entries allowed | Only one entry of “IP Default-gateway” is allowed in each device | Multiple entries of “IP Route 0.0.0.0” can be configured however with different Administrative Distance (AD) |
| IP Routing | It should only be used when ip routing is disabled on the Cisco router. | ip routing must be enabled on the router/L3 Switch. |
| Layer 3 / Layer 2 devices | “IP Default-Gateway” is usually used on switches that are not L3 switches/routers or on “hosts | “IP Route 0.0.0.0” is usually used on devices that are L3 eg Layer 3 switches/routers etc |
| Related terms | Layer 2,IP management | AD, floating default Route |
| General Usage | The default gateway on the switch is for management purposes only | IP Route 0.0.0.0 is used as another way to set the gateway of last resort on a router. |
| Transitive traffic | Does not allow Routing of transitive traffic i.e. cannot route packets from downstream networks to Upstream networks. The device configured with “IP Default-Gateway” can only route its packets to other networks. | Allows Routing of transitive traffic i.e. routes packets from downstream networks to Upstream networks. |
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I am here to share my knowledge and experience in the field of networking with the goal being – “The more you share, the more you learn.”
I am a biotechnologist by qualification and a Network Enthusiast by interest. I developed interest in networking being in the company of a passionate Network Professional, my husband.
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