Last Updated on March 11, 2024 by Abhishek Sharma
Routing protocols and routed protocols are fundamental concepts in computer networking, playing crucial roles in ensuring efficient data transmission across networks. Understanding the difference between these two types of protocols is key to grasping how data is routed from its source to its destination in a network.
What are Routing Protocols?
Routing protocols are responsible for determining the best path for data packets to travel from the source to the destination in a network. They build and maintain routing tables, which contain information about the network topology, including the available routes and their metrics (such as hop count, bandwidth, delay, etc.). Routing protocols are used by routers to dynamically update their routing tables based on changes in the network, such as link failures or the addition of new routers.
Types of Routing Protocols:
There are several types of routing protocols, including:
- Distance Vector Protocols: Examples include RIP (Routing Information Protocol) and EIGRP (Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol). These protocols use hop count as a metric and periodically exchange routing updates with neighboring routers.
- Link State Protocols: Examples include OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) and IS-IS (Intermediate System to Intermediate System). These protocols build a complete topology map of the network and use algorithms to calculate the shortest path to each destination.
- Hybrid Protocols: Examples include BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) and EIGRP. These protocols combine aspects of both distance vector and link state protocols.
What are Routed Protocols?
Routed protocols, on the other hand, are used to actually carry data between devices in a network. They define the format of the data packets and the rules for their transmission. Routed protocols are independent of the underlying network infrastructure and are responsible for end-to-end communication.
Examples of routed protocols include:
Below are some examples of Routed Protocols:
- IP (Internet Protocol): The most common routed protocol used in modern networks. It provides the addressing and routing mechanisms for data packets to be transmitted across networks.
- IPv6: The next generation of the Internet Protocol, designed to replace IPv4 due to the exhaustion of IPv4 addresses.
- IPX (Internetwork Packet Exchange): A routed protocol used in older Novell NetWare networks.
- AppleTalk: Another older routed protocol used in Apple networks.
Routing v/s Routed Protocols in Computer Network
Here’s a tabular difference between routing protocols and routed protocols in computer networking:
| Feature | Routing Protocols | Routed Protocols |
|---|---|---|
| Function | Determine the best path for data packets | Carry data packets between devices |
| Examples | RIP, OSPF, BGP, EIGRP | IP, IPv6, IPX, AppleTalk |
| Responsibility | Build and maintain routing tables | Define format and rules for data transmission |
| Dependency | Dependent on network topology | Independent of network infrastructure |
| Updating | Dynamically update routing tables | No updates needed for protocol behavior |
| Role | Used by routers | Used for end-to-end communication |
Conclusion
In Conclusion, routing protocols are used by routers to build and maintain routing tables, while routed protocols are used to transmit data between devices in a network. Understanding the differences between these two types of protocols is essential for designing and managing efficient and reliable computer networks.
FAQs related to Routing v/s Routed Protocols in Computer Network
Below are some of the FAQs related to Routing v/s Routed Protocols in Computer Network:
1. What is the difference between routing protocols and routed protocols?
Routing protocols are used by routers to determine the best path for data packets, while routed protocols are used to actually carry the data between devices.
2. Can you give examples of routing protocols and routed protocols?
Examples of routing protocols include RIP, OSPF, BGP, and EIGRP. Examples of routed protocols include IP, IPv6, IPX, and AppleTalk.
3. How do routing protocols update routing tables?
Routing protocols update routing tables by exchanging routing updates with neighboring routers, which contain information about the network topology.
4. Do routed protocols require updates like routing protocols?
No, routed protocols do not require updates like routing protocols. They define the format of data packets and the rules for their transmission, which remain constant.
5. Are routing protocols dependent on network topology?
Yes, routing protocols are dependent on network topology as they need to determine the best path for data packets based on the current network layout.
6. Do routers use routed protocols for data transmission?
Yes, routers use routed protocols such as IP to actually transmit data packets between devices in a network.