Routing Protocols: Comprehensive Guide
Routing protocols are the foundation of network communication, enabling routers to communicate
with each other and determine the best path for data to travel across networks.
Categories of Routing Protocols
1. Static Routing vs. Dynamic Routing
- Static Routing: Manually configured, fixed routes, secure but not scalable.
- Dynamic Routing: Automatically updates routing tables, adapts to network changes, scalable.
2. Interior vs. Exterior Routing Protocols
- Interior Gateway Protocols (IGP): Operate within a single autonomous system (e.g., RIP, OSPF,
EIGRP, IS-IS).
- Exterior Gateway Protocols (EGP): Operate between autonomous systems (e.g., BGP).
Types of Dynamic Routing Protocols
1. Distance Vector Routing Protocols
- Examples: RIP (Routing Information Protocol).
- Features: Simple, best for small networks, slow convergence.
2. Link-State Routing Protocols
- Examples: OSPF (Open Shortest Path First), IS-IS.
- Features: Scalable, efficient, faster convergence.
3. Hybrid Routing Protocols
- Examples: EIGRP (Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol).
- Features: Combines efficiency and scalability.
4. Path-Vector Protocol
- Example: BGP (Border Gateway Protocol).
- Features: Highly scalable, complex, used for internet routing.
Key Metrics Used by Routing Protocols
- Hop Count, Bandwidth, Delay, Reliability, Load, Cost.
Routing Protocol Features
- Convergence, Scalability, Loop Prevention, Classless vs. Classful.
Comparison of Key Protocols
| Protocol | Type | Metric | Convergence Time | Use Case | Notes |
|----------|--------------|-------------|------------------|-----------------|------------------------|
| RIP | Distance Vec.| Hop Count | Slow | Small Networks | Max 15 hops, simple. |
| OSPF | Link-State | Cost | Fast | Large Networks | Hierarchical areas. |
| EIGRP | Hybrid | Composite | Medium | Medium to Large | Cisco proprietary. |
| BGP | Path-Vector | Policies | Slow | Internet/ISPs | Highly scalable. |
Key Concepts in Routing
- Autonomous System (AS), Routing Table, Next-Hop, Administrative Distance (AD), Load
Balancing.
