In a directly attached static route, what is specified?

In a directly attached static route, what is specified is the exit interface. This means that the router must use a specific interface to send packets to the next destination, which directly connects to the next network. In this scenario, the router does not need a next-hop address since the destination network is reachable through a local interface.

When a static route is configured with the exit interface, the router will know to send packets out of that interface to reach the specified network. This is crucial because it establishes a direct link, eliminating the need for further addressing that would be required if a next-hop were specified instead. The configuration of a directly attached static route is efficient as it simplifies routing decisions within the local network.

Understanding how static routes function and the role of the exit interface helps in optimizing routing tables and improves overall network performance.