Configuring IP Routes |
Topics on this page: When to Define IP Routes | Viewing the Routing Table | Adding IP Routes |
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IP routes can be created on the ADSL/Ethernet router to specify where it should send data received on a particular interface. Routes specify the IP address of the next device interface or Internet destination to forward data to, given the ultimate destination of the data. A common type of route is a default gateway, which defines the IP address where all data is forwarded unless an IP route has been defined for the particular destination in question. Each time data is passed towards its destination from one Internet address to another, it is said to complete one hop. When to Define IP RoutesMost users do not need to define IP routes. On a typical small home or office LAN, the existing routes that set up the default gateways for your LAN computers and for the ADSL/Ethernet router provide the most appropriate path for all your Internet traffic.
You may need to define routes if your home setup includes two or more networks or subnets, if you connect to two or more ISP services, or if you connect to a remote corporate LAN. Viewing the IP Routing TableEach IP-enabled computer and router maintains a table of IP addresses that are commonly accessed by its users. For each of these destination IP addresses, the table lists the IP address of the first hop the data should take. This table is known as the device's routing table. If the IP Address Table page is not currently displaying, click the Advanced Setup button. The IP Route page displays by default. The IP Route Table displays a row for each existing route. These include routes that were predefined on the device, routes you may have added, and routes that the device has identified automatically through communication with your ISP's network. The routing table may also reflect a default gateway, which directs outbound Internet traffic to your ISP. This default gateway is shown in the row containing destination address 0.0.0.0. The following fields display in the routing table:
Adding IP RoutesFollow these instructions to add an IP route to the device's routing table.
To create a route that defines the device's default gateway, enter 0.0.0.0 in both the Destination and NetMask fields. Enter your ISP's IP address in the Gateway/NextHop field. Note that you cannot specify the interface name, route type or route origin. These parameters are used only for routes that are identified automatically as the device communicates with other routing devices. For routes you create, the routing table displays system default values in these fields.
NOTE: If want your changes to be permanent, be sure to Write Settings to Flash. |