A default gateway number refers to the network location that incoming traffic goes to if it isn't specifically labeled to go to a particular machine. In most cases, this location is the entry and ...

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Can someone tell me if a router is supposed to have a default gateway. I'm trying to tie to network segements together with a windows 2000 box acting as the router.

Check the "Static" box in the router's "Internet IP Address" or "Default Gateway" section. A text box that allows you to manually enter the gateway address is activated.