The Ip Route [Destination Network] [Subnet Mask] [Next Hop] Cisco command

The 'ip route [destination_network] [subnet_mask] [next_hop]' command in Cisco networking is a powerful tool used to configure static routes in a network. It specifies a route to a particular destination network, along with the subnet mask and the next hop to reach that network. This command can be applied to various types of Cisco equipment, including routers, switches, and firewalls.

Syntax:

The basic syntax of the 'ip route' command is:

ip route [destination_network] [subnet_mask] [next_hop] [administrative_distance] [metric]

Parameters:

destination_network: This is the IP address or network ID of the destination network to which you are creating a static route.
subnet_mask: The subnet mask specifies the portion of the destination IP address that identifies the network and distinguishes it from the host portion.
next_hop: The next hop address is the IP address of the next router or gateway that the packets will be forwarded to reach the destination network.
administrative_distance: (Optional) Administrative distance is a value that indicates the trustworthiness of the route. A lower administrative distance indicates a more reliable route. The default administrative distance for static routes is 1.
metric: (Optional) Metric is a value used to determine the preference for one route over another when there are multiple routes to the same destination. A lower metric indicates a preferred route.

How It Works:

When you configure a static route using the 'ip route' command, the router or network device creates an entry in its routing table. This entry specifies the destination network, subnet mask, next hop address, administrative distance, and metric. When a packet is destined for the specified destination network, the router will use this static route to forward the packet to the next hop address.

Equipment Compatibility:

The 'ip route' command is supported on various types of Cisco equipment, including:

Routers (e.g., Cisco 1841, 2911, 3845)
Switches (e.g., Cisco Catalyst 2960, 3560, 3750)
Firewalls (e.g., Cisco ASA 5505, 5515, 5525)

Benefits of Static Routes:

Provides a more efficient and reliable path to specific networks
Can be used for load balancing by configuring multiple routes to the same destination network
Improves network performance by reducing the time it takes for packets to reach their destination
Enhances network security by allowing administrators to control the flow of traffic and prevent unauthorized access

Important Considerations:

Static routes are not dynamically updated like dynamic routing protocols, so any changes in the network topology or routing information must be manually updated.
Use administrative distance and metric appropriately to prioritize routes and avoid routing loops.
Verify the correctness of the destination network, subnet mask, and next hop address before configuring a static route to ensure proper routing.

ip route [destination_network] [subnet_mask] [next_hop] Usage Examples

Set a default gateway:

ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 192.168.1.1

Explanation: This command sets the default gateway for the router. It routes all the packets with unknown destinations to the next hop 192.168.1.1.

Set a static route to a specific network:

ip route 192.168.2.0 255.255.255.0 192.168.1.2

Explanation: This command sets a static route to the network 192.168.2.0 with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0. The next hop for this route is 192.168.1.2.

Set a static route to a specific host:

ip route 192.168.2.10 255.255.255.255 192.168.1.2

Explanation: This command sets a static route to the host 192.168.2.10 with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.255. The next hop for this route is 192.168.1.2.

Delete a static route:

no ip route 192.168.2.0 255.255.255.0 192.168.1.2

Explanation: This command deletes the static route to the network 192.168.2.0 with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0 and a next hop of 192.168.1.2.

Set a floating static route:

ip route 192.168.2.0 255.255.255.0 192.168.1.2 10

Explanation: This command sets a floating static route to the network 192.168.2.0 with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0. The next hop for this route is 192.168.1.2, and the administrative distance is 10. A lower administrative distance indicates a more preferred route.