What is the importance of checking the default gateway in troubleshooting network issues?

Checking the default gateway is crucial in troubleshooting network issues because it helps to identify connectivity problems between local and external networks. The default gateway serves as an access point or router that connects a local network to other networks, including the internet. When users experience connectivity issues, verifying the default gateway can reveal whether devices on the local network are configured correctly and can communicate with the router.

If the default gateway is misconfigured or unreachable, devices on the local network may not be able to send data to external networks, leading to internet access problems. By ensuring that the default gateway setting is accurate, technicians can confirm that local devices can route traffic outside the local network effectively. This is a fundamental part of diagnosing network connectivity, as it points to potential issues in the network configuration, helping the technician troubleshoot the problem systematically.

The other choices do not relate directly to the specific role of the default gateway in facilitating network communications.