What is the use of a "gateway address" in a static route configuration?

In a static route configuration, the gateway address serves a vital role by defining the next hop IP address for routing. This address tells the router where to send packets destined for a network that is not directly connected to it. When a packet needs to be forwarded to a destination outside the local network segment, the gateway address indicates which next-hop device (usually another router) should receive that packet for further forwarding towards its destination.

By specifying the next hop, the static route allows efficient routing paths to be established and enables communication between different networks, ensuring that the data is routed correctly across the internetwork. This is essential for connectivity in various networking scenarios, allowing routers to make informed decisions about packet forwarding based on the defined routes.