IP routing is the process of forwarding packets between networks, often moving through several networks before reaching their destination. It involves using various internet protocol technologies and routing tables to determine the best path for data to take. This article aims to explain what IP routing is and how it works as clearly as possible.
What is IP Routing?
IP Routing, or Internet Protocol Routing, is the technology that determines the path for data packets between networks. It forwards data from a source to an intended destination by sending it through various networks. The receiving and forwarding are done by a network router that looks at the intended destination and chooses the best possible path for the data packets to take.
How Does IP Routing Work?
When a router receives a packet, it reads the packet headers to learn its intended destination. It then uses a routing table to decide the optimal path for the packet. There are two main types of routing tables: static routing tables and dynamic routing tables.
Static Routing Tables
A static routing table is set up manually by a network administrator, and it needs to be configured with a static route on every router to work efficiently. It will never change unless the administrator reconfigures it in some way. Static routing tables are easy to configure on small networks, but very difficult to manage and administrate on larger networks.
Dynamic Routing Tables
Dynamic routing tables are created automatically by routers themselves. If any changes occur in the network, the routing tables automatically update. Dynamic routing tables are easy to manage on a larger network and prevent routing loops, but require more computer power and complex initial configuration to work.
Routing Protocols
Routers use different routing protocols to decide the best path for data to travel. The most common routing protocols are:
- BGP (Border Gateway Protocol): used to determine which network has which IP address and which networks have a connection to each other.
- OSPF (Open Shortest Path First): used to find the fastest and shortest route for packets to travel to their destination.
- RIP (Routing Information Protocol): uses hop counts to identify the shortest path to a packet's destination.
- EIGRP (Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol): an advanced distance-vector routing protocol used for automating routing decisions and configurations.
- IS-IS (Intermediate System – Intermediate System): a type of IP routing protocol similar to OSPF, but operating on layer 2 instead of layer 1.
Bottom Line
IP Routing is essential for guiding packets through networks and is the foundation for the internet. Routers use various internet protocols and routing tables to find the optimal path for the packets, and different methods are used for different networks, depending on their size and location.