Routing table definition

Databases of rules for directing data packets over an Internet Protocol (IP) network. The construction of routing tables is the primary function of routing protocols. Routing tables are stored in the RAM of routers or forwarding devices.

How routing tables are made

Dynamic routing: devices automatically exchange information about the surrounding network using routing protocols, responding to network failures and congestion.

Static routing: routing table entries are input manually by the network administrator and cannot be changed by routing protocols.

Further reading