Introduction to Network Routing
WEEK 2
Prepared by: GLENN L. TABUCANON, PHD.,DEVeD.D, STSE
Network routing is the process of selecting paths in a network along which data packets travel. It
ensures that data reaches its intended destination efficiently. In gaming, network routing plays a
crucial role in delivering real-time data, such as player actions and game state updates, with
minimal latency.
1. Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) Proxy
Definition: IGMP Proxy is a feature used to manage multicast traffic efficiently in a network. It
helps reduce bandwidth usage by ensuring that only necessary data is forwarded to devices that
have requested it.
Step-by-Step Process:
1. A game server starts a multiplayer session and sends game updates via multicast packets.
2. Players (clients) join the game session, and their routers use IGMP to inform the network
that they need multicast data.
3. The IGMP Proxy router listens to these requests and manages multicast traffic to send
data only to interested players.
4. When a player leaves the game, IGMP Proxy updates the network, stopping unnecessary
multicast traffic.
Real-World Example:
• In a Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) game, IGMP Proxy helps optimize
bandwidth by ensuring only players within a specific region receive real-time game updates
(e.g., a game map update or live event).
Process Flow:
Game Server → IGMP Proxy Router → Players requesting data
2. Routing Information Protocol (RIP)
Definition: RIP is a dynamic routing protocol that automatically updates and shares routing tables
among routers to find the shortest path for data. It uses hop count (number of routers between
source and destination) to determine the best route.
Step-by-Step Process:
1. A game server sends data packets to players across multiple routers.
2. Each router maintains a routing table, updating it every 30 seconds to learn the best
paths.
3. If a router fails, RIP reroutes traffic automatically using an alternative path.
4. Packets reach players through the most optimal path determined by RIP.
Real-World Example:
• In a cloud-based multiplayer game, RIP ensures that data packets take the fastest route
to players by dynamically adjusting paths when network conditions change.
Process Flow:
Game Server → Router A → Router B (RIP updates path) → Player's Device
3. Static Routing
Definition: Static routing is a manual way to configure a fixed path for network traffic. Unlike
RIP, it does not change automatically if the network changes, making it useful for predictable and
stable connections.
Step-by-Step Process:
1. A network admin manually configures a router to direct game data along a specific
path.
2. Packets from the game server follow the pre-defined route, even if there are shorter or
alternative paths.
3. If a router in the path fails, the admin must manually update the routing table.
Real-World Example:
• In a dedicated esports gaming network, static routing ensures low-latency connections
by setting a fixed route between the gaming server and tournament players.
Process Flow:
Game Server → Pre-configured Router → Player's Device (Fixed Path)
Therefore:
• IGMP Proxy optimizes multiplayer game traffic using multicast.
• RIP dynamically finds the best path for game data, adapting to network changes.
• Static Routing is used for stable, controlled connections, often in professional gaming
setups.
Each method plays a vital role in ensuring seamless, low-latency gaming experiences.
Visual process flows for each network routing concept:
1. Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) Proxy
Multicast traffic is efficiently managed to reduce bandwidth usage.
Process Flow:
Game Server
IGMP Proxy Router
↓ ↓ ↓
Player 1 Player 2 Player 3
(Only players who request multicast data receive it)
Example:
• In an MMO game, only players in a specific zone receive event updates, reducing
unnecessary data transmission.
2. Routing Information Protocol (RIP)
Dynamic routing adapts to network changes and selects the shortest path.
Process Flow:
Game Server
Router A (Checks routing table)
↓ ↘
Router B → Router C → Player (Best path selected)
(RIP updates paths dynamically every 30 sec)
Example:
• In cloud-based multiplayer games, RIP ensures smooth data delivery even if some
network paths fail.
3. Static Routing
Manually configured paths ensure stable and predictable traffic flow.
Process Flow:
Game Server
Fixed Route (Manually Configured)
Player
(No dynamic updates; follows a fixed path)
Example:
• In esports tournaments, static routing provides dedicated low-latency connections to
prevent lag.
