Routing protocols perform essential work in every communications network. In an IP network, the main function of routing protocols is to forward packets received from one network node to another. Routing in a communications network refers to the transmission of data from source to destination by making one or more hops. Routing protocols work by providing at least two services; select the best paths between source and destination nodes and successfully transmit data to a specified destination. Routing protocol is a combination of processes, algorithms, and messages that allow routers to exchange routing information. Based on routing algorithms, routing protocols are able to discover available routes, construct routing tables, make routing decisions, and exchange information with each other. Routing algorithms use different metrics based on certain properties of a path, which helps determine the best route to reach a destination network. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an Original Essay When it comes to larger communication networks, dynamic routing is preferred over static routing. Static and dynamic routing are just two ways that routers can learn about remote networks. In static routing, each network location must be entered into the routing table by the network administrator. In dynamic routing, similar routing protocols are configured on routers to allow them to discover remote networks. Both routing methods have their advantages and disadvantages. In a smaller network, updating routing tables will be easy for the network administrator. However, on a larger network this will be very difficult and time consuming. Dynamic routing protocols must therefore be used. Using dynamic routing protocols over larger networks saves time, but also consumes network resources. Dynamic routing protocols are also more scalable; something that allows them to automatically adapt to any changes in the network topology. For example, when a new network is added to the existing network, dynamic routing protocols are able to automatically discover the new network. Additionally, in the event of a node or route failure, they are able to determine alternative routes and retransmit traffic via these routes with minimal disruption. Scalability is not the same for all routing protocols. Some protocols are more scalable than others. Scalability of the routing protocol is essential when considering the current growth rate of the network. Therefore, when choosing which routing protocol to implement on a network, one must consider which protocol scales well. Routing protocols are grouped into two types. These are Interior Gateway Protocols (IGP) and Exterior Gateway Protocols (EGP). Interior gateway protocols are used to allow routers to exchange routing information with each other within the same autonomous systems (AS). An AS is made up of a group of networks managed solely by a single organization.