Explain why contiguous address allocation can make routing more efficient.

### Why this is right The material states that routers can summarize contiguous networks and that a simpler routing table can improve performance. Contiguity makes it possible for a single prefix to cover several networks without needing a separate advertisement for each one. ### The concept A route identifies a destination network and where traffic should be sent to reach it. A summary route is a broader prefix that represents multiple more-specific routes. For example, four contiguous `/24` networks can be represented by one aligned `/22` summary. If the addresses are scattered, one summary may also cover unrelated address ranges, or multiple summaries may be needed. Efficient address planning therefore groups networks by area or router and considers summarization from the beginning. ### What a good answer covers - Contiguous addresses are easier to combine into a summary. - A summary can reduce the number of routes a neighboring router stores. - Fewer route entries can make routing tables simpler. - Address planning should consider summarization in advance. ### Terms - **IP**: Internet Protocol. The addressing system used for network communication. ### Remember Plan addresses so networks served by the same router can be summarized cleanly.