Which term describes allowing the sender to partially or completely specify the route a packet takes through the network?

• A. Source Routing
• B. Source Port Manipulation
• C. IP Address Decoy
• D. IP Address Spoofing

Answer: (A)

Controlling the path a packet takes through the network is called source routing. This lets the sender specify, within the IP header, the route the packet should follow, either by listing all hops to visit or by outlining certain points the packet must pass through. In practice, there are two familiar forms: one where the route must be followed exactly, and another where the sender provides a loose sequence but allows some flexibility in between. Many networks disable or drop packets that carry source routing information because it can bypass security filters, reveal network topology, or be used to evade monitoring. This concept is distinct from changing the port a packet uses or forging the source address, which are different techniques.