Dynamic Routing Overview /

Dynamic Routing Overview 

Introduction to routing protocols

6.2.1

This page will introduce routing protocols and how they are used.
Routing protocols are different from routed protocols in both function and task.
A routing protocol is the communication used between routers. A routing protocol allows routers to share information about networks and their proximity to each other. Routers use this information to build and maintain routing tables.
Examples of routing protocols are as follows:

• Routing Information Protocol (RIP)
• Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (IGRP)
• Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP)
• Open Shortest Path First (OSPF)

A routed protocol is used to direct user traffic. A routed protocol provides enough information in its network layer address to allow a packet to be forwarded from one host to another based on the addressing scheme.
Examples of routed protocols are as follows:

• Internet Protocol (IP)
• Internetwork Packet Exchange (IPX)

The next page will describe autonomous systems.