An IP directed broadcast is an IP packet whose destination address is a valid broadcast address for an IP subnet but whose source is outside that destination subnet. A device that is not directly connected to the destination subnet forwards the packet in the same way it forwards a unicast packet destined for a host on that subnet. At the destination subnet, the packet is delivered to the subnet broadcast address.

The feature is configured per VLAN and per L3 LAN interface. `ip directed-broadcast` enables forwarding of directed broadcast traffic to the target subnet; and `ip network-broadcast` enables the interface to receive and accept network-prefix-directed broadcast packets.

The implementation of IP directed broadcast traffic requires distinct configurations on separate network interfaces:

• On the Ingress Interface (Traffic Entry): The ip network-broadcast command must be enabled on the incoming interface where the packet first lands. This allows the router to accept and process the network-prefix-directed broadcast packet rather than dropping it immediately.
• On the Egress Interface (Traffic Exit): The ip directed-broadcast command must be enabled on the outgoing interface that physically attaches to the target subnet. This instructs the router to convert the routed IP packet into a physical layer 2 broadcast on that specific local segment.