In a recursive static route, which component is specified?

In a recursive static route, the next hop is a crucial component that is specified. This method involves using the next-hop IP address, which allows the router to forward packets to a specified destination without needing to identify an exit interface explicitly. The router uses the next hop to look up its routing table for the exit interface dynamically.

When a static route is defined recursively, the router must resolve the next hop's IP address to determine the appropriate path. This could involve going through one or more routing tables until a final next-hop interface is chosen. This is especially important in larger networks with multiple layers of routing devices, where static routes are defined to promote efficient routing without requiring cumbersome configurations.

Other components such as exit interfaces, network addresses, and subnet masks are relevant in different types of routing configurations. While subnet masks and network addresses help define the routing space, and exit interfaces may sometimes be specified directly in other contexts, it is the next hop that is fundamental in a recursive static route, as it forms the basis for how packets are forwarded through the network.