Which address typically represents the gateway in a network?

The correct choice is the first usable address in the subnet. In most networks, the first usable address is commonly designated for the default gateway, which acts as an access point for devices on the local network to communicate with external networks. This address is typically assigned to the router that performs routing functions.

The gateway serves as a bridge between the local area network (LAN) and the wider network, including the Internet. By convention, many network administrators assign the first usable address in the subnet for convenience and consistency, making it easily identifiable for network configurations.

This practice helps in ensuring that all devices within the network know where to send their traffic when they need to reach destinations outside their local subnet. Typical IP address configurations use this convention to streamline network management and maintenance.