Path Determination

Static routes at each IP gateway/router can be used to direct traffic to a specific gateway to reach a target network faster.

In the below example the Router connecting Network A and Network B might send traffic directed to Network E to a router that is directly connected to it, instead of routers that have to travel more networks.

Other protocols, such as the Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) protocol can be used to configure IP routing between networks dynamically.