What does the asterisk '*' represent in the routing table?

In a routing table, the asterisk '*' signifies a candidate default route. This designation indicates that the route is available for use as a default route in case there are no other specific routes to reach a particular destination. In routing protocols, a default route directs packets that do not match any of the other specific entries in the routing table, essentially serving as a catch-all that ensures connectivity for unknown destinations.

It's important to differentiate this from the other types of routes that might appear in a routing table. A configured path typically represents a specific, static route that has been manually entered. A conditional route implies that the route's use is contingent upon certain criteria being met, while a connected route directly relates to networks that are directly attached to the router's interfaces. Each of these types of routes occupies a different role within routing, while the asterisk specifically highlights the role of a candidate default route.