The default gateway is typically which network device?

The default gateway is typically which network device?

• A. A firewall.
• B. A router.
• C. A switch.
• D. A DNS server.

Answer: (B)

The default gateway is the device that handles traffic leaving the local network to reach other networks. This requires routing between subnets, which is a router’s core job. A switch stays within the local network, forwarding frames based on MAC addresses and does not route to different networks. A DNS server translates domain names to IP addresses but doesn’t move packets toward destinations beyond the local network. While some edge devices can combine firewall features with routing, the common concept of a default gateway is a router, because it is responsible for directing traffic to the correct next hop when the destination isn’t on the local subnet.

The default gateway is the device that handles traffic leaving the local network to reach other networks. This requires routing between subnets, which is a router’s core job. A switch stays within the local network, forwarding frames based on MAC addresses and does not route to different networks. A DNS server translates domain names to IP addresses but doesn’t move packets toward destinations beyond the local network. While some edge devices can combine firewall features with routing, the common concept of a default gateway is a router, because it is responsible for directing traffic to the correct next hop when the destination isn’t on the local subnet.