Overview
Routing protocols are the mechanisms that allow routers to communicate with each other and share information about the network topology. They enable routers to dynamically learn about available paths and select the most efficient route for forwarding traffic.
Key Functions
- Path Discovery: Identifying available routes to various network destinations.
- Path Selection: Choosing the 'best' path based on specific metrics (e.g., hop count, bandwidth, delay).
- Topology Maintenance: Updating routing tables when network changes occur (e.g., link failures or new connections).
Types
- Interior Gateway Protocols (IGP): Used within a single Autonomous System (e.g., OSPF, EIGRP).
- Exterior Gateway Protocols (EGP): Used between different Autonomous Systems (e.g., BGP).