The default gateway for a PC on a typical home network is generally the Wi-Fi router.
Understanding the Default Gateway
A default gateway serves as the intermediary between your local network (e.g., your home network) and the broader internet. According to the reference, it's a piece of hardware that sits between your home network and the rest of the internet. All network traffic from your PC destined for destinations outside your local network passes through this gateway.
Role of the Wi-Fi Router
In most home network setups, the Wi-Fi router functions as the default gateway. This means your PC sends all internet-bound traffic to the router, which then forwards it to your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and subsequently to the internet. The router also receives incoming traffic from the internet and directs it to the correct device on your local network.
How it Works:
- Your PC wants to access a website.
- It sends the request to the default gateway (Wi-Fi router).
- The router forwards the request to the internet via your ISP.
- The website sends the response back to the router.
- The router forwards the response to your PC.
Why it Matters:
Without a properly configured default gateway, your PC would only be able to communicate with other devices on your local network, and would not be able to access the internet or any other network outside of your local network.
