Routing protocols are essential for data communication and necessary in transferring information from one network to another. Essentially, a routing protocol is a set of standards that network devices use when exchanging information about the path by which data is communicated between networks.
Routing protocols can broadly be classified into two categories: Exterior Gateway Protocols (EGP) and Interior Gateway Protocols (IGP).
Choosing the right routing protocol often depends on the structure of the network and the organizational needs of the business. In this article, we will be taking a closer look at EGP and IGP to help you determine which is best for your organization.
Exterior Gateway Protocols (EGP)
Exterior Gateway Protocols (EGP) are used to exchange routing information between autonomous systems. An autonomous system (AS) is a group of networks under a single administrative entity, which could be a company, a college, or a government entity.
EGP is typically used for large scale networks that connect different geographic locations or networks belonging to various organizations. In essence, EGP is used to enable communication between networks that don’t belong to the same organization.
Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) is a widely used EGP and is considered the most diverse and complex routing protocol in existence. It is capable of exchanging routes between different AS networks.
Pros of implementing EGP:
1. They enable communication between networks belonging to different entities.
2. They are scalable and suitable for large networks.
3. They experience fewer routing problems.
Cons of implementing EGP:
1. They require proper configuration.
2. They have a relatively high implementation cost.
Interior Gateway Protocols (IGP)
Interior Gateway Protocols (IGP) are used within a single autonomous system (AS). Unlike EGP, they are used to exchange routing information amongst routers within the same network.
IGP is further divided into three types:
1. Link-State Routing Protocol – This type of IGP disseminates routing information based on the entire network’s condition.
2. Distance-Vector Protocol – This type of IGP disseminates routing information to other networks based on information from a direct connected neighbor, instead of the entire network’s state.
3. Path Vector Protocol – This type of IGP is suited to multi-enterprise networks and can help a business control routing throughout a more extensive network.
Pros of implementing IGP:
1. They are easy to configure.
2. They are less expensive to implement.
3. They are suited for small to medium-sized enterprise networks.
Cons of implementing IGP:
1. They are limited to a specific network.
2. They are not scalable for large networks.
3. They are vulnerable to routing issues, e.g., loops.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a routing protocol is a crucial component in network communication. The choice between EGP and IGP depends on your network’s size, complexity, requirements, and budget.
EGP is suitable for large scale networks that connect different geographic locations or networks belonging to various organizations. Whereas, IGP is suitable for smaller networks that don’t cross multiple organizational boundaries.
Before implementing any routing protocol, it is vital to get professional assistance to ensure that your network is optimized, efficient, and secure.