Routing protocols play a crucial role in establishing communication or delivering data packets across a network, ensuring packets reach their correct destination efficiently and securely. They allow routers to communicate with each other and dynamically update and maintain routing tables.
There are 7 types of routing protocols, each with its specific advantages and targeted uses in networking. In this article, we will discuss them in detail.
1. Distance Vector Routing Protocol:
Also known as Routing Information Protocol (RIP), Distance Vector Routing Protocol is the simplest and earliest routing protocol used widely in small to medium-sized networks. It works by sharing routing information between routers and incrementing the distance to each destination. RIP has a limited hop count of 15, and if it fails to deliver a packet after that, it is discarded. The main advantage of this protocol is that its simplicity and low resource requirements.
2. Link-State Routing Protocol:
Link-State Routing Protocol (LSRP) is known for its scalability and efficient use of bandwidth. It employs Dijkstra’s shortest path algorithm to discover the best routes across a network. When a router identifies a change, it announces it and updates its neighbors. LSRP’s advantages are that it minimizes the use of network resources and provides a more reliable and accurate network map.
3. Hybrid Routing Protocol:
As the name suggests, Hybrid Routing Protocol combines both Distance Vector and Link-State Routing protocols’ characteristics. It combines the simplicity of Distance Vector with the scalability and speed of Link-State. Hybrid Routing Protocol is used mainly in medium-sized networks and provides a balance between routing overhead and network convergence time.
4. Border Gateway Protocol:
Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) is the most widely-used routing protocol in the internet’s core network. It is a path-vector routing protocol and is used mainly between Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to carry traffic across the internet. BGP provides reliability, redundancy, and the ability to handle changes in network topology, making it an efficient and safe protocol for the public internet.
5. Open Shortest Path First:
Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) is a Link-State protocol and, like LSRP, also uses Dijkstra’s algorithm to select the best path. OSPF also supports link redundancy, so if one link fails, it can quickly switch to an alternative line without disrupting network performance. This protocol is suited for large, complex networks, where it prioritizes traffic, prevents bottlenecks, and ensures overall network efficiency.
6. Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol:
Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP) is Cisco’s proprietary hybrid routing protocol, used mainly in Cisco-based networks. It is suited for medium to large networks and provides fast convergence and efficient use of network resources. EIGRP uses the Diffusing Update Algorithm (DUAL) to find the best route, making it more effective than pure Distance Vector Routing protocols.
7. Intermediate System-to-Intermediate System:
Intermediate System-to-Intermediate System (IS-IS) is a Link-State routing protocol, often used in Service Provider networks. Like OSPF, it employs Dijkstra’s algorithm for route selection and provides high scalability, convergence, and reliability. IS-IS is also highly flexible and can be used over various network architectures, making it an ideal protocol for network automation and virtualization.
Conclusion:
Routing protocols play a crucial role in networking, ensuring efficient and seamless packet delivery across a network. Selecting the right routing protocol depends on various factors, including network size, scalability, reliability, and efficiency requirements. The 7 routing protocols discussed in this article offer unique advantages, and choosing the best one can help optimize network performance, reduce routing overhead, and maximize resources.