Dynamic routing protocols

Static routes work well in small, stable networks. They are easy to configure and require fewer system resources. However, in networks where topology changes occur frequently, a typical practice is to configure a dynamic routing protocol. Compared with static routing, a dynamic routing protocol is complicated to configure, requires more router resources, and consumes more network resources.

Dynamic routing protocols dynamically collect and report reachability information to adapt to topology changes. They are suitable for large networks.

Dynamic routing protocols can be classified by different criteria, as shown in Table 2.

Table 2: Categories of dynamic routing protocols

Criterion

Categories

Operation scope

IGPs that work within an AS. Examples include RIP.

Routing algorithm

Distance-vector protocols. Examples include RIP.

Destination address type

Unicast routing protocols. Examples include RIP.

IP version

  • IPv4 routing protocols—Examples include RIP.

  • IPv6 routing protocols—Examples include RIPng.

An AS refers to a group of routers that use the same routing policy and work under the same administration.