Where is an IP packet routed if the packet does not match any routes in...

When an IP packet does not match any routes in the routing table, it is routed to the default gateway. The default gateway serves as a forwarding host that routes traffic from a local network to other networks or the Internet.

A. firewall - Incorrect. A firewall is a security device, not used for routing unmatched packets. B. load balancer - Incorrect. A load balancer distributes network or application traffic across multiple servers, not used for routing unmatched packets. C. central switch - Incorrect. A switch operates at the data link layer and does not perform IP routing. D. default gateway - Correct. The default gateway is used to route packets that do not match any other route in the routing table.

References:

Cisco Network Fundamentals