Dynamic Routing Protocol and Routing Protocol Functions

Dynamic routing protocols are used by routers to exchange routing information dynamically and automatically between different routers within a network. Dynamic routing protocols operate by using a set of rules and algorithms to determine the best path for data to travel through a network based on the information gathered from other routers.

The primary functions of routing protocols are:

Route discovery and selection: A routing protocol must be able to discover and select the best path to a destination based on certain criteria, such as the shortest path or the path with the least amount of congestion.

Route advertisement and dissemination: A routing protocol must advertise and disseminate routing information to other routers in the network so that they can make routing decisions based on the information provided.

Route convergence: A routing protocol must be able to converge quickly when changes occur in the network topology or routing information, in order to maintain optimal routing paths.

Loop avoidance: A routing protocol must be able to detect and avoid routing loops, which can occur when a packet travels in a circular path between routers.

Some common dynamic routing protocols include:

Routing Information Protocol (RIP): A distance-vector protocol that uses hop count as a metric to determine the best path to a destination.

Open Shortest Path First (OSPF): A link-state protocol that uses the shortest path first algorithm to determine the best path to a destination.

Intermediate System to Intermediate System (IS-IS): A link-state protocol similar to OSPF that is commonly used in large enterprise networks. Border Gateway Protocol (BGP): An exterior gateway protocol used to exchange routing information between different autonomous systems.