What can serve as an intermediate router for a subnet if an IP address is not within the network?

In networking, a default gateway acts as an intermediate router for devices within a subnet when a packet's destination IP address does not belong to the local network. The primary role of a default gateway is to route traffic from devices within a subnet to destinations outside that subnet. When a device attempts to communicate with an IP address that is not part of its own subnet, it will send the packet to the default gateway. The default gateway then decides the proper route for the packet, forwarding it to the appropriate external network or internet.

This functionality is critical for ensuring that devices can communicate outside their own local network, providing a pathway for data packets to reach different networks and, ultimately, their intended destinations. The default gateway is usually configured in the device's network settings, enabling seamless communication beyond the local subnet boundaries.

In contrast, while routers are essential for routing between different networks, the specific term "default gateway" designates the router used as the primary exit point for a subnet. Switches primarily operate at the data link layer and manage data traffic within the same network, while access points facilitate wireless connections without serving as IP routers.