EGP (Exterior Gateway Protocol) and IGP (Interior Gateway Protocol) are two terms that are commonly used in computer networking. These terms refer to the different types of routing protocols used in a network. Understanding the differences between EGP and IGP is important in order to select the appropriate routing protocol for a given network. In this article, we will explore the differences between EGP and IGP, as well as their advantages and disadvantages.
EGP
EGP is a type of routing protocol that is used to exchange routing information between different autonomous systems (AS). An AS is a collection of networks that are under the control of a single entity, such as a corporation or an internet service provider. EGP is used to connect different ASs on the internet. It is used to exchange routing information between ASs so that they can route data to each other.
Advantages of EGP
One of the advantages of EGP is that it is very efficient in routing data between different ASs. It is designed to work well in large-scale networks that span multiple geographic regions. EGP is also easy to configure and manage, which makes it an attractive choice for many network administrators.
Disadvantages of EGP
One of the major disadvantages of EGP is that it is not very scalable. It is difficult to use EGP in networks that have a large number of routers and a high volume of traffic. Additionally, EGP does not provide any intelligence for routing decision making, which means that network administrators must carefully manage the routing tables manually.
IGP
IGP is a type of routing protocol that is used within a single autonomous system (AS). IGP is used to exchange routing information within an AS so that the routers in the AS can route data to each other. Examples of popular IGP protocols include OSPF (Open Shortest Path First), IS-IS (Intermediate System to Intermediate System) and EIGRP (Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol).
Advantages of IGP
One of the major advantages of IGP is that it is very scalable. It is designed to work well in both small and large-scale networks, and it can handle a high volume of traffic. IGP also provides more intelligence for routing decision making, which means that network administrators can automate the routing tables to a greater extent.
Disadvantages of IGP
One of the main disadvantages of IGP is that it is not very efficient in routing data between different ASs. This is because IGP is designed to work within a single AS, and it does not have the capability to route data between different ASs. Additionally, IGP can be more difficult to configure and manage than EGP.
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between EGP and IGP is essential in order to select the appropriate routing protocol for a given network. EGP is designed to exchange routing information between different ASs, while IGP is designed to exchange routing information within a single AS. Both EGP and IGP have their advantages and disadvantages, and network administrators must carefully assess their network requirements before choosing a routing protocol. By selecting the appropriate routing protocol, network administrators can ensure their network is efficient, scalable, and secure.