What is meant by the "next-hop" in routing?

The term "next-hop" in routing refers to the IP address of the next router where a packet should be forwarded. In a network, when a packet is sent from a source to a destination, it may need to pass through one or more intermediate routers before reaching its final destination.

The next-hop address is critical in determining the path that packets take through a network. It provides the information necessary for routers to make forwarding decisions based on the destination IP address of the packet. By identifying the next hop, routers can efficiently route packets toward their end destination, optimizing network performance and minimizing delays.

In this context, the next-hop address is not the final destination of the packet, nor is it the last router that processed the packet or the address of the originating device. Instead, it is specifically focused on the immediate next step in the packet's journey through the network. This mechanism is fundamental to routing protocols, as they rely on next-hop information to construct efficient routing tables and ensure data reaches its intended endpoint.