Default Gateway

[Peter]

I am new to Windows Server and setting up a small network
with 1 Windows 2000 Server and a number of Windows 2000
workstations. There is only 1 subnet.

When I install DHCP Service on the Server, I would like
to know is it necessary for me to supply the Default
Gateway IP Address ?

Thanks

 

[Pegasus \(MVP\)]

I am new to Windows Server and setting up a small network
with 1 Windows 2000 Server and a number of Windows 2000
workstations. There is only 1 subnet.

When I install DHCP Service on the Server, I would like
to know is it necessary for me to supply the Default
Gateway IP Address ?

Thanks

The Default Gateway tells your machines what to do with
packets that have an IP address outside the current subnet.
If you do not specify a Default Gateway then your machines
may be unable to communicate with extenal sites (e.g. with
Google).

 

[Herb Martin]

I am new to Windows Server and setting up a small network
with 1 Windows 2000 Server and a number of Windows 2000
workstations. There is only 1 subnet.

If there is REALLY only one subnet then the Default Gateway
is irrelevant.

If you mean that YOU have one subnet but have a router to the
Internet, or another network like a main office then you specify
the router as your default gateway.

When I install DHCP Service on the Server, I would like
to know is it necessary for me to supply the Default
Gateway IP Address ?

Only if you have at least one ROUTER (gateway/firewall/NAT)
to another (sub)network AND you wish the machine to use it to
visit other networks.

If you have one router, you specify that router.


FWI:
If you have more than one router (on the same subnet) then
the Default Gateway is the "router of last resort" and will
be used when no other route (in the routing table) can pick
a BETTER path (through one of the other routers).