What is the primary function of a default gateway in a network?

The primary function of a default gateway in a network is to facilitate communication with devices outside the local network. A default gateway acts as an access point or a routing device that forwards packets from a local network to destinations beyond that network, commonly across the internet or to another network.

When a device wants to send data to an address that isn't on its own local subnet, it sends the data to the default gateway. The gateway then determines how to forward that packet, which is crucial for enabling devices within the local network to reach external addresses.

In contrast, assigning IP addresses to devices is the role of a DHCP server, allowing devices to connect to the network but not specifically facilitating external communication. Allowing devices to communicate within the same local network pertains to switches and routers configured for local traffic, while providing DNS resolution is handled by DNS servers that translate domain names into IP addresses. Each of these functions is important in networking but does not fulfill the primary role of a default gateway.