The term "stub network" refers to a type of computer network that does not have direct external connections. It is spelled /stʌb/ /ˈnɛtwərk/, with the first syllable pronounced with a short "u" sound, and the second syllable with the stress on the first syllable. The phonetic transcription, /stʌb/ /ˈnɛtwərk/, represents the sounds of each syllable in the word. The term is commonly used in networking and computer science to describe a network that terminates directly on a router or switch without any further connections to other networks.
A stub network, in the context of computer networking, refers to a network that is only directly connected to a single router or switch. It is an autonomous network with no connections to any other networks, making it isolated and self-contained. This term is often used in the field of routing protocols to describe a network that does not contribute to forwarding traffic to other networks; instead, it solely focuses on accessing the Internet or other external networks.
In a stub network, all the traffic entering or exiting the network passes through a single gateway, which acts as the connection point between the stub network and other external networks. The primary purpose of a stub network is to serve as an intermediary for any data that is destined outside its own network, thereby facilitating communication between the stub network's devices and devices in other networks. It is important to note that a stub network cannot forward traffic to other networks directly; it relies on the assistance of the gateway or router it is connected to.
Typically, stub networks are found in smaller environments like home networks, small offices, or branches of larger organizations that do not have direct connections with other networks. They are designed to provide connectivity to external networks while maintaining a simplified and straightforward network architecture.
The term "stub network" does not have a specific etymology as it is a combination of two commonly used words in the field of computer networking. "Stub" refers to a short, blunt or truncated object, often used in a context where something is cut short or incomplete. This meaning of "stub" is derived from the Old English word "stybb", meaning a stump or post.
"Network", on the other hand, comes from the Middle English word "netwerke", which was originally used to describe the interweaving of threads or wires. Over time, it evolved to represent the interconnectedness of people, institutions, or systems, such as computer networks.
When the words "stub" and "network" are combined, "stub network" refers to a network topology where a network is connected to only one other network. It suggests that the network in question has limited connectivity and is somewhat isolated.