Non-routable

Describing data packets or network traffic that cannot be forwarded along a defined path by a network router. This typically occurs due to an invalid destination IP address, network congestion preventing delivery, or a lack of a valid route within the routing tables of the network devices. non-routable traffic essentially becomes undeliverable, either being dropped or returned to the sender as undeliverable. Security protocols sometimes involve blocking of non-routable traffic.

Non-routable meaning with examples

• The IT administrator discovered a large number of non-routable packets flooding the network due to a misconfigured device sending traffic to a nonexistent IP address. Investigation determined a faulty network adapter was creating the problem.
• During a penetration test, security analysts intentionally sent non-routable traffic towards the network's firewall to test its robustness in handling unexpected data flows and to search for vulnerabilities and loopholes.
• Network engineers noticed high packet loss attributed to a sudden influx of non-routable broadcasts that congested the switch. They implemented rate limiting to manage the issue until its source was located and fixed.
• To improve network performance, the company decided to filter non-routable IP addresses by the network's edge router. Doing so meant unauthorized internet activity was reduced and security improved.