ip route 0.0.0.0 255.255.255.255

[dradhika]

Hi,

Can I know what this command does - 'ip route 0.0.0.0 255.255.255.255 x.x.x.x'. Is it just when a packet matches the ip 0.0.0.0 then it would be forwarded to x.x.x.x? If so, when will a packet have the ip 0.0.0.0?

Please clarify.

Thanks,

Radhika

[guruprasadr]

Hello Radhika,

Concept:

0.0.0.0 Means Any IP

255.255.255.255 Means Match All

x.x.x.x Means forward to the Destination Adr.

Example:

IP 0.0.0.0.bootpc > 255.255.255.255.bootps: BOOTP/DHCP, Request from 00:04:23:57:a5:7a

Explanation:

The above IP Route Command you mentioned will be used for this type BOOTP / DHCP Requests. Because, Basically systems getting their IP Address assigned during BOOTP & via DHCP will request using their MAC Address Only.

At this Case, their initial IP will be 0.0.0.0 & it need to be matched fully(255) since it may be BOOTP / DHCP & then request is fwd to the DHCP Server(x) where their MAC Address will be matched against "Mac-address-table" & IP will be released based on the Availaibility & Lease Condictions.

Hope this Helps you!!

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Thanks & Regards,

Guru Prasad R