What must be specified to ensure proper routing in network probe policy?

To ensure proper routing in network probe policy, specifying the next hop gateway is essential. This next hop gateway acts as the intermediary point that packets will reach after they leave their originating device. It is a critical component of routing because it directs the traffic to its intended destination across different segments of a network. Without correctly identifying the next hop, data packets may not reach their destination effectively, leading to potential delays or loss of connectivity.

The next hop gateway is instrumental in defining the path that traffic takes, especially in complex networks that include various devices and pathways. It allows for efficient routing decisions based on the dynamically changing network conditions.

In contrast, while other factors such as target IP address, interface type, and firewall authentication contribute to network functionality, they do not specifically define the routing path that packets will take in the same way that the next hop gateway does. The target IP address identifies where data is going, but it does not inherently determine how that traffic will travel through the network. Interface type can influence connectivity but not the routing decision per se, and firewall authentication primarily deals with permitting or denying access rather than routing. Therefore, specifying the next hop gateway is the key action needed for effective routing within a network probe policy.