What Is a Default Gateway in Networking? GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Internet, Networking, & Security > Home Networking 228 228 people found this article helpful
What Is a Default Gateway in Networking?
You can't get to the internet without one
By Bradley Mitchell Bradley Mitchell Writer Massachusetts Institute of Technology University of Illinois An MIT graduate who brings years of technical experience to articles on SEO, computers, and wireless networking. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on September 8, 2021 Reviewed by Ryan Perian Reviewed by Ryan Perian Western Governors University Ryan Perian is a certified IT specialist who holds numerous IT certifications and has 12+ years' experience working in the IT industry support and management positions. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Home Networking Network Hubs The Wireless Connection Routers & Firewalls ISP Broadband Ethernet Installing & Upgrading Wi-Fi & Wireless A default gateway makes it possible for devices in one network to communicate with devices in another network. If a computer, for example, requests a web page, the request goes through the default gateway before exiting the local network (LAN) to reach the internet. Think of a default gateway as an intermediate device between the local network and the internet. The default gateway transfers internal data to the internet and back again. In most homes and small offices, the default gateway is a router that directs traffic from the local network to the cable or DSL modem, which sends it to the internet service provider (ISP). DuKai / Getty Images How Traffic Moves Through a Default Gateway
All the clients on a network point to a default gateway that routes their traffic. The default gateway device passes this traffic from the local subnet to devices on other subnets. The default gateway connects a local network to the internet, although internal gateways for communication within a local network are used in corporate networks. The default gateway in a home network, for example, understands specific routes that must be taken to move internet requests from a computer out of the network and onto the next piece of equipment that can understand what needs to be done. From there, the same process happens until the data reaches its destination. The word default in this term means that it's the default device that's looked for when information needs to be sent through the network. With each network that the traffic arrives at, that network's default gateway relays the information to the internet and back to the computer, which requested it. When traffic is bound for other internal devices and not a device external to the local network, the default gateway is used to understand the request, but instead of sending the data out of the network, it points it to the correct local device. This process is understood based on the IP address that the originating device requests. Types of Default Gateways
Internet default gateways are typically one of two types: In home or small business networks with a broadband router to share the internet connection, the home router serves as the default gateway. In home or small business networks without a router, such as for residences with dial-up internet access, a router at the internet service provider location serves as the default gateway. Default network gateways can also be configured using a computer instead of a router. These gateways use two network adapters: one is connected to the local subnet and the other is connected to the outside network. Either routers or gateway computers can be used to network local subnets such as those in large businesses. How to Find Your Default Gateway IP Address
You'll need to know the IP address of the default gateway if there's a network problem or to make changes to the router. In Microsoft Windows, the IP address of a computer's default gateway can be accessed through Command Prompt with the "ipconfig" command, as well as through the Control Panel. In macOS and Linux, the "netstat" and "ip route" commands are used to find the default gateway address. FAQ How do I find the default gateway on a Mac? Open the Terminal app on a Mac by using the Command+Spacebar shortcut to search Spotlight. Once a new Terminal window opens, enter netstat -nr grep default. You can also find the default gateway from System Preferences > Network > Advanced > TCP/IP > Router. How do I change the default gateway in Windows 10? If you'd like to change the IP address of your home network's default gateway, log in to your router from a web browser with the admin credentials. Depending on your model, you might find the default gateway settings from the setup or connections areas. Edit the default gateway IP address as you please and save your changes. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire Private IP Addresses: Everything You Need to Know How to Find the Default IP Address of a Belkin Router What Is an IP Address? Can't Connect to the Internet? Try These 10 Tips How to Find Your Default Gateway IP Address NETGEAR Default Password List (Updated October 2022) What Is a Public IP Address? (and How to Find Yours) How to Fix an IPv6 No Network Access Error How to Set Up Port Forwarding Linksys E1000 Default Password D-Link Default Password List (Updated October 2022) Can a Router Get a Virus? Linksys E4200 default password How to Set Up a Router What Is a Network Gateway? How to Solve a Destination Host Unreachable Error Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies