Routing Information Protocol definition
Routing Information Protocol (RIP) is a dynamic routing protocol used in IP networks. It employs a distance-vector algorithm to determine the best path for data packets to reach their destination. RIP measures the distance between routers in terms of hops, with each router along the route being a single hop. If a destination cannot be reached within 15 hops, it is deemed unreachable since the maximum hop count is 15. RIP is a rather outdated protocol, not widely used anymore due to its limitations.
Real Routing Information Protocol timeline
- RIPv1. This is the first version of RIP, which uses classful routing and does not support subnet masks. RIPv1 is now considered obsolete due to its limitations.
- RIPv2. This improved version of RIP supports classless inter-domain routing (CIDR) and subnet masks. RIPv2 also offers better security with authentication mechanisms.
Routing Information Protocol pros and cons
Pros:
- Simple configuration and easy to implement.
- Widely supported by various networking devices.
Cons:
- Limited scalability due to a maximum hop count of 15.
- Slow convergence time, which can lead to routing loops.
- Not suitable for large networks or ones with frequent topology changes.
Tips for using RIP:
- Consider using RIPv2 for better security and subnet mask support.
- Use RIP in small networks or those with a stable topology.
