CompTIA Network+ Practice Test

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Enhance your CompTIA Network+ skills. Prepare with comprehensive questions and hints for a successful exam experience. Excel in network management and troubleshooting!

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What is the significance of the 'via' address in a route entry?

It indicates the next hop for the route
It shows the previous IP address
It lists all available routes
It defines the subnet mask

The correct answer is: It indicates the next hop for the route

The 'via' address in a route entry is significant because it specifies the next hop in the routing process. When a router receives a packet destined for an IP address that is not directly connected to it, it needs to forward that packet to another router or device that is. The 'via' address denotes the IP address of that next router, guiding the packet closer to its destination based on the network topology. This is essential for routing efficiency, allowing packets to traverse through multiple networks until they reach their endpoint. In contrast, other options focus on aspects of networking that do not pertain directly to the role of the 'via' address. For instance, a previous IP address or listing all available routes do not define the immediate next step in packet forwarding, while a subnet mask primarily serves to determine the network portion of an addressing scheme rather than indicating next-hop routing. Understanding the 'via' address is crucial for comprehending how routing works in both static and dynamic routing protocols.