100-150 Question 141
Single answerA small business is setting up a branch office network. The IT team has configured a router, switch, and access points, but they are unable to connect to the internet. Upon investigation, you find that the router's WAN interface has not been assigned a default gateway. What role does the default gateway play in this scenario?
- A
The default gateway is responsible for assigning IP addresses to devices on the local network.
- B
The default gateway ensures that local devices can communicate with each other within the same network.
- C
The default gateway routes traffic from the local network to external networks, such as the internet.
- D
The default gateway is required to enable wireless connectivity within the local network.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The default gateway is a critical component of a network's infrastructure. It serves as the path through which traffic is routed from internal devices to external networks like the internet. Without a properly configured default gateway on the router's WAN interface, the local network cannot communicate with external resources, causing connectivity issues.
- A. Incorrect.
This is incorrect because IP addresses are typically assigned by a DHCP server, not the default gateway.
- B. Incorrect.
This is incorrect since local communication within the same network is handled by the switch or within the same subnet, not the default gateway.
- C. Correct.
This is correct because the default gateway allows devices in the local network to send traffic to external networks, including the internet.
- D. Incorrect.
This is incorrect as wireless connectivity is managed by the access points, not the default gateway.