Routing Protocols - Detailed Notes with Examples
1. What is a Routing Protocol?
A routing protocol is a set of rules that routers use to communicate with each other to share
information about networks and decide the best path for data packets to travel.
2. Purpose of Routing Protocols
- Discover remote networks
- Maintain up-to-date routing information
- Select the best path for traffic
- React to changes in the network
3. Static vs Dynamic Routing
Static: Manual configuration, good for small networks, no automatic updates.
Dynamic: Automatic route updates, better for large scalable networks.
4. Types of Routing Protocols
A. Distance Vector Routing Protocols
- Use hop count to determine best path
- Examples: RIP, IGRP
- RIP: Max hop = 15, updates every 30 sec
Example (RIP config):
router rip
version 2
network 192.168.1.0
network 10.0.0.0
B. Link State Routing Protocols
- Build a full map of the network
- Faster convergence
- Examples: OSPF, IS-IS
- OSPF: Uses Dijkstra algorithm, metric = cost
Example (OSPF config):
router ospf 1
network 192.168.1.0 0.0.0.255 area 0
C. Hybrid Routing Protocols
- Mix of Distance Vector + Link State
- Example: EIGRP (Cisco proprietary)
Example (EIGRP config):
router eigrp 100
network 192.168.1.0
network 10.0.0.0
D. Path Vector Protocols
- Used between Autonomous Systems (AS)
- Example: BGP
- Metric: AS-path length
5. Interior vs Exterior Routing Protocols
IGP: Inside an organization (RIP, OSPF, EIGRP)
EGP: Between organizations (BGP)
6. Metrics Used
- Hop count, cost, bandwidth, delay, reliability, load
7. Administrative Distance (AD)
Connected: 0
Static: 1
EIGRP: 90
OSPF: 110
RIP: 120
BGP: 20/200
8. Example Scenario
Three routers in a triangle. If R1-R3 fails, OSPF recalculates via R2 quickly; RIP takes longer.
Summary Table:
Protocol | Type | Metric | AD | Updates | Convergence
RIP | Distance Vector | Hop Count | 120 | 30s | Slow
OSPF | Link State | Cost | 110 | Change | Fast
EIGRP | Hybrid | Band+Delay | 90 | Change | Very Fast
BGP | Path Vector | AS-path | 20/200 | Change | Slow
