A classful network requiring packets from one subnet to traverse through another classful network is referred to as a ____________ network.

A network described as discontiguous refers to the situation where packets from one subnet need to pass through a different classful network that is not directly adjacent or contiguous to it. This can often create complications in routing as classful networks often do not support route summarization effectively when they are discontiguous.

In discontiguous networks, there is at least one network segment that does not follow in a linear or directly connected fashion to another, resulting in potential routing issues such as increased complexity and difficulty in propagating routing information between the interconnected networks. This contrasts with a contiguous network, where subnets are directly connected and can more easily share routing information.

Having packets traverse through a discontiguous network often necessitates the use of advanced routing protocols and configurations to ensure that communication is seamless despite the fragmented layout of the networks involved.