Static Route - Difference between next hope ip address and interface

[bhuwan2]

what is a difference between next hope IP address and exit interface as a next hop in static route .

[luis_cordova · Accepted solution]

Hi @bhuwan2,

In a static route the most recommendable is to use the IP of the next hop, since this avoids the unnecessary propagation of packages when there is a switch between the connected devices.

But, on occasion, the IP of the next hop is not known, so the only option is to choose the exit interface.

Regards

[Joseph W. Doherty · Accepted solution]

One difference, using an next hop IP avoids ARPing for each destination address on the egress interface.

Sometimes Internet connected routers, with a default static to just the egress interface will consume all the router's RAM due to a huge ARP cache. Again, using an IP for next hop avoids that.

BTW. you can use both a IP and egress interface together.