What is IP Routing? Last Updated : 31 Jan, 2025 Comments Improve Suggest changes Like Article Like Report IP routing is the process that defines the shortest path through which data travels to reach from source to destination. It determines the shortest path to send the data from one computer to another computer in the same or different network. Routing uses different protocols for the different networks to find the path that data follows. It defines the path through which data travel across multiple networks from one computer to others. Forwarding the packets from source to destination via different routers is called routing. The routing decision is taken by the routers.IP RoutingImportance of IP RoutingIP routing is important because it helps data travel from one device to another across different networks, like from your home network to the internet. It makes sure the data takes the quickest and most efficient route, which helps everything work faster. If one path stops working, IP routing automatically finds another way to send the data, keeping things running smoothly. It also helps manage network traffic so things don't get too crowded, and it prioritizes important data like voice or video calls to keep them clear.Types of RoutingThere are three different types of routing:Types of RoutingStatic Routing: It is also known as nonadaptive routing. In this type of routing the routing table is updated by the network administrator manually and routing decisions are not based on topology or condition of network.Dynamic Routing: It is also known as adaptive routing. In this type of routing the routing table is automatically updated using routing protocols. In response to changes in condition or topology of network, router adds a new route in the routing table.Default Routing: In this type of routing the router is configured to send all the data towards a specific router. The default route is chosen only when specific route is not mentioned in the routing table. This routing is generally used with the stub routers. Read in detail about Difference between Static and Dynamic RoutingHow does IP Routing WorkWhen the data is sent from the source to the destination the TCP and other protocols of the source work and form an IP packet that is sent to the network. When an IP packet is sent to the network from the source it has to pass through multiple routers to reach the destination. The router in the network gets the destination address from the packet and through its routing table identifies the next router information to which the data packet has to be passed. The routing table of the router includes various information about the next router, its cost, and other necessary information. The router takes the routing decision with the help of routing protocols and a routing table to which next router the packet has to be sent to find the best route to reach the destination. Different packets can be sent through different paths but all the packets reach their intended destination. When the packets reach the destination through different routers it sends them to the TCP for further processing.Types of Routing ProtocolsFor taking routing decisions router needs various routing protocols and a routing table. The routing protocols are divided into two domains:Interdomain Routing protocolsIntradomain Routing protocols Interdomain Routing ProtocolsThis routing is used among autonomous networks and it includes Path Vector Routing(PVR).Path Vector RoutingPath vector routing uses path vectors for routing..These path vectors are dynamically updatedBorder Gateway Protocol(BGP) is used in PVR for making routing decisions.Intra domain Routing ProtocolsThis routing is used within the autonomous networks and it includes two types of routing: Distance Vector Routing(DVR) and Link State Routing(LSR).Distance Vector RoutingDistance vector routing uses distance vectors for routing. Each router maintains a routing table that keeps the shortest distance to other routers.It uses the Bellman-Ford algorithm for the computation of various distances.Routing Information Protocol(RIP) is used in DVR for making routing decisions.DVR suffers from count to infinity problem which can be solved using split-horizon or route poisoning. Link State RoutingLink State routing uses the state of the link for routing.It uses the Dijkstra algorithm for the computation of various distances.Open Shortest Path First(OSPF) is used in LSR for making routing decisions.LSR suffers from heavy traffic due to flooding which can be solved by the TTL field.Read more about Differences between Intradomain and Interdomain RoutingAdvantages of IP RoutingScalable: IP routing lets networks grow easily. You can add more devices or networks without problems.Flexible: If something changes, like a path breaking, IP routing can find a new way for the data to travel.Efficient: It sends data along the fastest routes, making everything work faster.Reliable: If one connection stops working, IP routing automatically finds another way to keep the network running.Balanced Traffic: It spreads out data across different paths to avoid slowdowns or overloads on one connection.Secure: IP routing can help block bad traffic and control access, keeping the network safer.Cost-saving: It can choose the cheapest path for data, saving money on network costs.Works with Different Networks: IP routing can connect different types of networks, whether they’re small or large.Easy to Set Up: Modern tools can automatically configure IP routing, making it simple to manage.Disadvantages of IP RoutingComplexity: Setting up IP routing in large networks with many devices and routes can be confusing.Overhead: Routers need extra power and memory to process routes.Routing Loops: If things are set up wrong, data can keep going in cycles without reaching its destination.Vulnerable to Attacks: IP routing can be attacked by hackers and can cause disruptions or stealing of data.Inconsistent Routing Decisions: Routers may make different decisions on the best path which can lead to inefficiency or slower speeds.Application of IP RoutingConnecting Networks: IP routing is essential for network connectivity, allowing devices across different networks (home, office, etc.) to communicate by finding the fastest route for data.Enabling Internet Access: IP routing ensures smooth internet access by directing data from local networks to the best path for connecting to websites and services.Network Redundancy for Reliability: Network redundancy through IP routing ensures that if one route fails, another path is found.High-Quality Voice Calls (VoIP): For VoIP (Voice over IP) services, IP routing directs voice data over the fastest route. It ensures clear voice calls with minimal delay.Improved Website and Video Loading (CDNs): Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) use IP routing to direct users to the closest server, improving website load speed and video streaming performance.Traffic Prioritization and QoS: IP routing can prioritize important data (like live streaming or video calls) to ensure they perform well even during high traffic hence, improving Quality of Service (QoS). Comment More infoAdvertise with us Next Article What is IP Routing? A aayushi2402 Follow Improve Article Tags : Computer Subject Computer Networks GATE CS Similar Reads CCNA Tutorial for Beginners This CCNA Tutorial is well-suited for the beginner as well as professionals, and It will cover all the basic to advanced concepts of CCNA like Components of Computer Networking, Transport Layer, Network Layer, CCNA training, Cisco Networking, Network Design, Routing and Switching, etc. which are req 8 min read Basics of Computer NetworkingNetwork and CommunicationNetworks and communication involve connecting different systems and devices to share data and information. This setup includes hardware like computers, routers, switches, and modems, as well as software protocols that manage how data flows between these devices. Protocols such as TCP/IP and HTTP are 8 min read LAN Full Form - Local area networkA Local area network (LAN) is a network that is used to link devices in a single office, building, or campus of up to a short distance. LAN is restricted in size. In LAN networks internet speed is from 10 Mbps to 100 Mbps (But now much higher speeds can be achieved). The most common topologies used 10 min read What is OSI Model? - Layers of OSI ModelThe OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) Model is a set of rules that explains how different computer systems communicate over a network. OSI Model was developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The OSI Model consists of 7 layers and each layer has specific functions and re 13 min read TCP/IP ModelThe TCP/IP model (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) is a four-layer networking framework that enables reliable communication between devices over interconnected networks. It provides a standardized set of protocols for transmitting data across interconnected networks, ensuring efficie 7 min read How Data Encapsulation and De-encapsulation Works?Data encapsulation and de-encapsulation are fundamental concepts in computer networking and communication protocols. These processes are essential for transferring data across networks efficiently and securely. What is Data Encapsulation?Encapsulation is the process of adding additional information 4 min read Components of Computer NetworkingNIC Full Form - Network Interface CardNIC stands for Network Interface Card. NIC is additionally called Ethernet or physical or network card. NIC is one of the major and imperative components of associating a gadget with the network. Each gadget that must be associated with a network must have a network interface card. Even the switches 4 min read What is a Network Switch and How Does it Work?The Switch is a network device that is used to segment the networks into different subnetworks called subnets or LAN segments. It is responsible for filtering and forwarding the packets between LAN segments based on MAC address. Switches have many ports, and when data arrives at any port, the destin 9 min read What is Network Hub and How it Works?Hub in networking plays a vital role in data transmission and broadcasting. A hub is a hardware device used at the physical layer to connect multiple devices in the network. Hubs are widely used to connect LANs. A hub has multiple ports. Unlike a switch, a hub cannot filter the data, i.e. it cannot 6 min read Introduction of a RouterNetwork devices are physical devices that allow hardware on a computer network to communicate and interact with one another. For example Repeater, Hub, Bridge, Switch, Routers, Gateway, Router, and NIC, etc. What is a Router?A Router is a networking device that forwards data packets between computer 12 min read Types of Ethernet CableAn ethernet cable allows the user to connect their devices such as computers, mobile phones, routers, etc, to a Local Area Network (LAN) that will allow a user to have internet access, and able to communicate with each other through a wired connection. It also carries broadband signals between devic 5 min read Transport LayerTransport Layer responsibilitiesThe transport Layer is the second layer in the TCP/IP model and the fourth layer in the OSI model. It is an end-to-end layer used to deliver messages to a host. It is termed an end-to-end layer because it provides a point-to-point connection rather than hop-to-hop, between the source host and destin 5 min read Introduction of Ports in ComputersA port is basically a physical docking point which is basically used to connect the external devices to the computer, or we can say that A port act as an interface between the computer and the external devices, e.g., we can connect hard drives, printers to the computer with the help of ports. Featur 3 min read What is TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)?Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) is a connection-oriented protocol for communications that helps in the exchange of messages between different devices over a network. It is one of the main protocols of the TCP/IP suite. In OSI model, it operates at the transport layer(Layer 4). It lies between th 5 min read TCP 3-Way Handshake ProcessThe TCP 3-Way Handshake is a fundamental process that establishes a reliable connection between two devices over a TCP/IP network. It involves three steps: SYN (Synchronize), SYN-ACK (Synchronize-Acknowledge), and ACK (Acknowledge). During the handshake, the client and server exchange initial sequen 6 min read User Datagram Protocol (UDP)User Datagram Protocol (UDP) is a Transport Layer protocol. UDP is a part of the Internet Protocol suite, referred to as UDP/IP suite. Unlike TCP, it is an unreliable and connectionless protocol. So, there is no need to establish a connection before data transfer. The UDP helps to establish low-late 10 min read Network LayerIPv4 Datagram HeaderIP stands for Internet Protocol and v4 stands for Version Four (IPv4). IPv4 was the primary version brought into action for production within the ARPANET in 1983. IP version four addresses are 32-bit integers which will be expressed in decimal notation. In this article, we will discuss about IPv4 da 4 min read Difference between Unicast, Broadcast and Multicast in Computer NetworkThe cast term here signifies some data(stream of packets) is being transmitted to the recipient(s) from the client(s) side over the communication channel that helps them to communicate. Let's see some of the "cast" concepts that are prevailing in the computer networks field. What is Unicast?This typ 5 min read Structure and Types of IP AddressIP addresses are an important part of the Internet. It can be represented as Internet Protocol address. A unique address that identifies the device over the network. They are made up of a series of numbers or alphanumeric characters that help us to identify devices on a network. Almost every device 8 min read IPv4 AddressingWhat is IPv4?IP stands for Internet Protocol version v4 stands for Version Four (IPv4), is the most widely used system for identifying devices on a network. It uses a set of four numbers, separated by periods (like 192.168.0.1), to give each device a unique address. This address helps data find its way from one 5 min read Role of Subnet MaskA subnet mask is a 32-bit number that separates an IP address into two parts: the network ID and the host ID. It tells devices which portion of the address belongs to the network and which identifies individual devices. By doing this it helps to determine which devices belong to the same local netwo 5 min read Introduction of Classful IP AddressingAn IP address is an address that has information about how to reach a specific host, especially outside the LAN. An IP address is a 32-bit unique address having an address space of 232.Classful IP addressing is a way of organizing and managing IP addresses, which are used to identify devices on a ne 11 min read SubnettingIntroduction To SubnettingSubnetting is the process of dividing a large network into smaller networks called "subnets." Subnets provide each group of devices with their own space to communicate, which ultimately helps the network to work easily. This also boosts security and makes it easier to manage the network, as each sub 8 min read Classless Inter Domain Routing (CIDR)Classless Inter-Domain Routing (CIDR) is a method of IP address allocation and IP routing that allows for more efficient use of IP addresses. CIDR is based on the idea that IP addresses can be allocated and routed based on their network prefix rather than their class, which was the traditional way o 6 min read Introduction of Variable Length Subnet Mask (VLSM)Variable Length Subnet Mask (VLSM) is a technique used in IP network design to create subnets with different subnet masks. VLSM allows network administrators to allocate IP addresses more efficiently and effectively, by using smaller subnet masks for subnets with fewer hosts and larger subnet masks 6 min read Private IP Addresses in NetworkingPrivate IP addresses play an important role in computer networking, permitting organizations to build internal networks that communicate securely without conflicting with public addresses. In this article, we will see private IP addresses in networking.What is a Private IP Address?Private IP Address 8 min read Data Link LayerWhat is Ethernet?A LAN is a data communication network connecting various terminals or computers within a building or limited geographical area. The connection between the devices could be wired or wireless. Although Ethernet has been largely replaced by wireless networks, wired networking still uses Ethernet more f 9 min read What is MAC Address?To communicate or transfer data from one computer to another, we need an address. In computer networks, various types of addresses are introduced; each works at a different layer. A MAC address, which stands for Media Access Control Address, is a physical address that works at the Data Link Layer. I 12 min read What is an IP Address?Imagine every device on the internet as a house. For you to send a letter to a friend living in one of these houses, you need their home address. In the digital world, this home address is what we call an IP (Internet Protocol) Address. It's a unique string of numbers separated by periods (IPv4) or 14 min read Physical LayerEthernet Frame FormatThe basic frame format which is required for all MAC implementation is defined in IEEE 802.3 standard. Though several optional formats are being used to extend the protocol's basic capability. Ethernet frame starts with the Preamble and SFD, both work at the physical layer. The ethernet header conta 8 min read What is Power Over Ethernet (POE)?Power Over Ethernet (POE) is a technique used for building wired Ethernet local area networks (LANs) which use Ethernet data cables instead of normal electrical power cords and wiring to carry the electrical current required to operate each device. The transfer of power through network cabling is po 8 min read Cisco Networking DevicesNetwork Devices (Hub, Repeater, Bridge, Switch, Router, Gateways and Brouter)Network devices are physical devices that allow hardware on a computer network to communicate and interact with each other. Network devices like hubs, repeaters, bridges, switches, routers, gateways, and brouter help manage and direct data flow in a network. They ensure efficient communication betwe 9 min read Collision Detection in CSMA/CDCSMA/CD (Carrier Sense Multiple Access/ Collision Detection) is a media access control method that was widely used in Early Ethernet technology/LANs when there used to be shared Bus Topology and each node ( Computers) was connected by Coaxial Cables. Nowadays Ethernet is Full Duplex and Topology is 7 min read Collision Domain and Broadcast Domain in Computer NetworkPrerequisite - Network Devices, Transmission Modes The most common network devices used are routers and switches. But we still hear people talking about hubs, repeaters, and bridges. Do you ever wonder why these former devices are preferred over the latter ones? One reason could be: 'because they ar 5 min read Difference between layer-2 and layer-3 switchesA switch is a device that sends a data packet to a local network. What is the advantage of a hub? A hub floods the network with the packet and only the destination system receives that packet while others just drop due to which the traffic increases a lot. To solve this problem switch came into the 5 min read Like