A default gateway is a node in a computer network that enables connection to other networks. It serves as a forwarding host (router) to other networks when no other route specification matches the destination IP address of a packet. A gateway is a network node that serves as an access point to another network, often involving not only a change of addressing but also a different networking technology. The default gateway is the access point between a local network and the rest of the internet. It allows devices on separate networks to communicate with one another.

In most local networks, the default gateway is the Wi-Fi router. It allows users to access servers and devices outside of their network, and all the traffic they send and receive goes through it. Without a default gateway, browsing the internet would be a much more laborious effort.

The default gateway can be specified by the route command to configure the nodes routing table and default route. The networking software stack of each computer contains a routing table that specifies which interface is used for transmission and which router on the network is responsible for forwarding to a specific set of addresses. If none of these forwarding rules is appropriate for a given destination address, the default gateway is chosen as the router of last resort.

Finding the address of the default gateway is essential when it comes to diagnosing and dealing with network problems. The default gateway address is usually the routers IP address. Users can find their default gateway address through a computer or on their phone.