Routing Protocols
Routing protocols are sets of rules and algorithms used by routers in computer networks to determine the optimal paths for forwarding data packets from a source to a destination. They enable dynamic routing by exchanging information about network topology, link states, and metrics to build and maintain routing tables efficiently. Common examples include RIP, OSPF, EIGRP, and BGP, which operate at different layers and scales, from local area networks to the global internet.
Developers should learn routing protocols when working on network engineering, cloud infrastructure, or distributed systems to design scalable and resilient networks. They are essential for implementing dynamic routing in scenarios like enterprise networks, data centers, and internet service providers, where static routing is impractical due to frequent topology changes or large-scale environments. Knowledge of routing protocols helps in troubleshooting network issues, optimizing performance, and ensuring reliable data transmission across complex infrastructures.