Types of Routing in Computer Networks

What is Routing?

Types of Routing

• Static Routing
• Dynamic Routing

Static Routing

• Static routing is a simple and manually configured method of routing.
• In static routing, network administrators manually define the routes in routing tables.
• These routes remain unchanged unless an administrator makes modifications.

Advantages of Static Routing

• Predictability: Static routes are easy to understand and predict since they do not change automatically.
• Low Overhead: They have lower overhead on the router's CPU and memory as there's no dynamic route calculation.

Disadvantages of Static Routing

• Limited Scalability: Static routing is not scalable for large networks as every route must be manually configured.
• Maintenance Overhead: It requires constant manual updates and maintenance, making it impractical for dynamic network changes.

Dynamic Routing

• Dynamic routing employs routing protocols to automatically determine the best path for data packets based on real-time network conditions.
• Two common dynamic routing protocols are Distance Vector and Link State protocols.

Advantages of Dynamic Routing

• Distance Vector Protocol (e.g., RIP - Routing Information Protocol)
• Ease of Implementation: Distance vector protocols are relatively simple to configure.
• Link State Protocol (e.g., OSPF - Open Shortest Path First)

Disadvantages of Dynamic Routing

• Slow Convergence: Distance vector protocols can exhibit slower convergence when network changes occur.
• Complex Configuration: Link state protocols can be complex to configure and maintain.

Distance Vector Protocol

• Distance Vector Protocol determines the best path for data packets based on distance metrics.
• It operates by periodically sharing routing tables with neighboring routers and calculating the distance to various network destinations.

Link State Protocol

• Unlike distance vector protocols, link state protocols focus on sharing detailed information about network topology changes.
• They calculate the shortest path to a destination based on this detailed topology information.

Conclusion