Stub Network

Definition - What does Stub Network mean?

A stub network has only one default path to non-local hosts and no outside network knowledge. Non-local stub network traffic uses a single logical path when traveling in and out of the network.

Stub networks are essentially local area networks (LAN) that either do not connect to the outside and relay data packets internally or are dead-end LANs that know of only one network exit. Stub networks may have multiple connections but use one path to single points of destination.


Techopedia explains Stub Network

Examples of stub networks include:

  • An individual or group that uses only one router to link to an Internet service provider (ISP) (The individual/group are considered stub networks by the ISP.)
  • One LAN that never carries multiple router data packets. Data traffic is always to or from local hosts.
  • An enterprise-level LAN connected to a corporate intranet via one router or multiple routers connected to one logical destination
  • An open-shortest-path-first (OSPF) area with one default OSPF routing domain path (The area may have multiple routers that know of only one default exit route.)

A good stub network analogy is an island that relies on a bridge as the sole mode of transportation to the mainland. Or, there may be multiple bridges, but each bridge only leads to a single point on the mainland.

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