Classes of Routing Protocols

Routing protocols are important for communication between different devices on a network. Routing protocols help determine the best path for data to travel while ensuring it reaches its intended destination.

However, there are several types of routing protocols, each with strengths and weaknesses. Hence, it becomes essential for the network administrator to understand the different classes of routing protocols in order to choose the best one for their specific needs.

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In this article, we will explore the different classes of routing protocols in great detail. But, before we dive deeper into the article, let’s go through the list of topics listed under the table of contents (TOC) we will cover. Here’s the table:

Table of Contents (TOC)

• What is Routing?
• Classes of Routing Protocols
  • Distance Vector Routing Protocol
    • Advantages
    • Disadvantages
  • Link State Routing Protocol
    • Advantages
    • Disadvantages
  • Advanced Distance Vector Routing Protocol
    • Advantages
    • Disadvantages
• Conclusion

What is Routing?

Routing Definition: Routing is the process of sending information from one computer or device to another through a network. 

When you send data, such as an email, it is broken down into smaller pieces called packets. These packets are then sent to their destination through interconnected devices, such as routers, switches, and hubs. 

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Routing ensures that your data arrives at its intended destination promptly and efficiently. At the same time, routing protocols determine the best path for the packets to travel based on “n” number of factors, such as network congestion, distance, and speed.

Classes of Routing Protocols

There are three classes of routing protocols, such as:

• Distance Vector Routing Protocol
• Link State Routing Protocol
• Advanced Distance Vector Routing Protocol

In the next section, let’s explore each of these classes of routing protocols in detail.

Distance Vector Routing Protocols

Definition: It is a type of routing protocol that determines the best path for data based on the number of “hops” or routers it has to go through.

A Distance Vector Routing Protocol measures the distance between two devices or nodes and determines the best path for data to travel based on that distance. This protocol determines the best path for data by considering the number of “hops” or routers it has to go through.

Here are the advantages of this protocol:

• Works well in smaller networks
• Simple to configure and implement
• Uses fewer network resources than other routing protocols

Here are the disadvantages of this protocol:

• Slow to converge,i.e., it takes time to adjust to changes in the network topology
• Prone to routing loops, where data gets stuck in a loop and never reaches its destination
• Does not consider the entire network topology, only the number of hops, which can lead to suboptimal routing paths

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Link State Routing Protocols

Definition: It is a type of routing protocol that determines the best path for data based on the entire topology of the network.

A Link State Routing Protocol is a powerful way to route data in a complex network. However, configuring it can be more difficult and may use more network resources than other protocols. It is best suited for larger and more complex networks where the full network topology needs to be considered.

Here are the advantages of this protocol:

• Less prone to routing loops, ensuring that data is delivered to its destination
• Faster convergence, i.e., it can adapt to changes in the network topology quickly
• Considers the entire network topology, ensuring that data takes the best possible path

Here are the disadvantages of this protocol:

• Does not work well in smaller networks
• Uses more network resources than Distance Vector Routing Protocols
• More complex to configure and implement than Distance Vector Routing Protocols

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Advanced Distance Vector Routing Protocols

Definition: It is a type of routing protocol that is a hybrid of distance vector and link state routing protocols.

An Advanced Distance Vector Routing Protocol combines the features of both Distance Vector and Link State Routing Protocols. This type of routing protocol is also called a hybrid routing protocol. This is because it uses the concepts of both routing protocols in order to determine the best path for data to travel in a network. EIGRP is an example of an Advanced Distance Vector Routing Protocol.

Here are the advantages of this protocol:

• Faster convergence than Distance Vector Routing Protocol
• Less prone to routing loops than Distance Vector Routing Protocol
• Combines the advantages of both Distance Vector and Link State Routing Protocol

Here are the disadvantages of this protocol:

• Does not work well in smaller networks
• More complex to configure and implement.
• Uses more network resources than Distance Vector Routing Protocols

Here's how "Network For You" explains different types of routing protocols:

Conclusion

In this article, we have explored what routing is. We have also explored its importance, classes etc., in detail. If you have any queries related to the topic, please feel free to send your queries to us in the form of a comment. We will be happy to help.

Happy Learning!!