Routing protocols refer to the set of rules that are responsible for directing data packets to their intended destination through a network of interconnected devices. These protocols can be broadly categorized into two major types, namely, Classful and Classless routing protocols.
In this article, we will discuss the key differences between these two routing protocol types.
Classful Routing Protocols:
Classful routing protocols do not take into account the subnet mask of a network, but rather rely on the IP address class to determine the network and host part of the address. The IP address classes are divided into A, B, and C, with each class assigned a predefined network mask.
Classful protocols were used in early stages of networking and are now considered obsolete. The protocols include Routing Information Protocol Version1 (RIPv1) and Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (IGRP).
Advantages of Classful Routing Protocols include:
1. Simple to understand and deploy
2. Optimal for small networks
3. Low overhead on network interfaces
Disadvantages of Classful Routing Protocols include:
1. Lack of flexibility in network design and addressing
2. High probability of inconsistent subnetting
3. Poor support for discontiguous networks
4. Limited support for Variable-Length Subnetting (VLSM)
Classless Routing Protocols:
Classless routing protocols take into account the subnet mask of a network for proper routing. The protocols enable the creation of subnets with varied network mask sizes, providing greater flexibility in designing networks.
Classless routing protocols are currently the most widely used protocols and are referred to as classless because they do not use fixed network masks.
Example classless routing protocols include Open Shortest Path First (OSPF), Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), and Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP).
Advantages of Classless Routing Protocols include:
1. Greater flexibility in network design and addressing
2. Supports Variable-Length Subnetting (VLSM)
3. Reduces IP address waste
4. Better support for discontiguous networks and route summarization
Disadvantages of Classless Routing Protocols include:
1. Complexity in routing table updates
2. Higher overhead on network interfaces
3. Suboptimal route selection
Conclusion:
In summary, while classful routing protocols are an outdated technology, they still offer simple routing for smaller networks. However, with the growth in the size and complexity of networks, classless routing protocols have become the standard with more flexibility in network design and addressing, supporting VLSM and route summarization. Therefore, it is essential to understand the differences between the two routing protocols to select the appropriate protocol for a specific network type.