Stub Network
Stub Network Definition
A stub network is a small, self-contained network that connects to outside networks through a single default route. It’s sometimes informally called a pocket network. All traffic leaving the network follows this path, while internal traffic stays only between local devices. Because there’s just one way in and out, the network doesn’t need to store routing data or manage several paths. This makes stub networks simple to operate and easier to maintain than larger ones.
Examples of Stub Network
- Home network: A household linked to the internet through an ISP router.
- Small office LAN (Local Area Network): An office setup where all devices reach the internet with one default route.
- University lab network: A campus lab connected to the wider internet using a single router.
- OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) stub area: A section of an OSPF network that sends traffic out through a single exit point.
- Stub AS (autonomous system): An autonomous system that connects to only one other system to reach the internet.
Benefits of Stub Network
- Simple setup: Uses only one route for external connections.
- Easy management: No need to maintain large routing tables or complicated pathways.
- Lower costs: Requires less hardware and fewer configuration changes.
- Better security: Limits entry and exit points to a single route.
Limitations of Stub Network
- Slower performance: Happens when too many devices share the same connection.
- Poor scalability: Fails to distribute traffic across several paths.
- Limited flexibility: Forces all traffic to leave the network through one route.
- External dependence: Uses outside networks for connectivity and can’t work alone.
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FAQ
A stub network usually includes a router that links the network to the outside, local devices like computers or servers, and one external connection. It may also be defined within a routing protocol, such as an OSPF stub area, where the default route is the key component.
No, a stub network has just one external link for all of its traffic. Even if there are several routers or devices inside, everything still leaves the network the same way.
Stub networks are often used in small-scale setups. In large organizations, they may appear in smaller segments like labs or departments. Core networks use transit networks with several links to handle higher traffic and provide backup paths if one link fails.
A stub network is a physical network that connects to outside traffic in only one way. On the other hand, a stub area is a logical section within a routing protocol like OSPF that uses a default route. They share the same idea of reducing complexity, but apply it at different layers.
A stub network links to external networks using a single route and handles only its own traffic. In contrast, a transit network connects to multiple other networks and forwards traffic between them. Stub networks have a simple, single exit point and are common in homes or small offices, while transit networks have several connections and are used by ISPs or large organizations.
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