~/netref / Protocols Compared
##

Routing Deep-Dive

All the protocols side by side, plus the static/default route concepts that glue real networks together.

ProtocolTypeMetricAD
RIPDistance-vectorHop count (max 15)120
EIGRPAdvanced DVBandwidth + delay90 / 170
OSPFLink-stateCost = 10⁸ / bw110
IS-ISLink-stateCost115
BGPPath-vectorAS-path / policy20 / 200
// route concepts
Static routeManually set next-hop / exit interface
Default route0.0.0.0/0 — gateway of last resort
Floating staticHigh-AD backup to a dynamic route
SummarizationAggregate prefixes to shrink the table
Longest prefix matchMost specific route always wins

// EIGRP

  • DUAL algorithm — fast loop-free convergence
  • Successor = best path · Feasible successor = backup
  • Composite metric from bandwidth + delay
  • Multicast 224.0.0.10 · routers share an AS number

// RIP

  • RIPv2 is classless, sends mask, multicast 224.0.0.9
  • Metric = hop count, 16 = unreachable
  • Updates every 30 s · split horizon prevents loops

// fast convergence & resiliency

BFDSub-second failure detection any protocol can subscribe to
Graceful Restart / NSFKeep forwarding while the control plane restarts
Fast timersLower hello/dead — faster detection, more CPU
SummarizationHide flaps behind a summary — smaller failure domain
iSPF / PRCPartial recompute instead of full SPF (OSPF/IS-IS)
LFA / FRRPre-computed loop-free backup — instant reroute