Demystifying Dynamic Routing Protocols: RIP and EIGRP

TLDRLearn about RIP and EIGRP, two dynamic routing protocols often encountered in networking exams. Understand their importance, how they work, and their limitations. Discover key configuration and terminology, and gain insights into the CCNA exam.

Key insights

:mag:RIP and EIGRP are dynamic routing protocols that are not explicitly listed in the CCNA exam topics, but it is important to be familiar with them as they may still come up in questions.

:runner:RIP is a distance vector interior gateway protocol that uses hop counts as its metric. EIGRP is an enhanced version of IGRP and is known for its fast convergence and scalability.

:page_with_curl:RIP version 1 is classful and doesn't support VLSM, while RIP version 2 is classless and supports VLSM and CIDR. EIGRP supports classless routing, making it more suitable for modern networks.

:repeat:RIP sends routing updates using broadcast or multicast, while EIGRP uses a proprietary multicast address. EIGRP uses a diffusing update algorithm (DUAL) to calculate routes, allowing for faster convergence.

:fire:RIP is rarely used in real networks due to its limitations, but it can be useful for small networks or in lab environments. EIGRP is commonly used in Cisco networks, as it offers scalability and advanced features.

Q&A

Are RIP and EIGRP covered in the CCNA exam topics?

RIP and EIGRP are not explicitly listed in the CCNA exam topics. However, it is recommended to study them as you might encounter questions related to these protocols.

What is the main difference between RIP and EIGRP?

RIP is a distance vector protocol that uses hop counts as its metric, while EIGRP is an advanced hybrid protocol that offers faster convergence and supports classless routing.

Can RIP be used in large networks?

RIP has a hop count limit of 15, which makes it unsuitable for very large networks. However, it can still be used effectively in small networks or lab environments.

Why is EIGRP commonly used in Cisco networks?

EIGRP offers scalability, fast convergence, and advanced features like support for classless routing. This makes it a preferred choice for many Cisco network administrators.

How does EIGRP calculate routes?

EIGRP uses the diffusing update algorithm (DUAL) to calculate routes. DUAL takes into account not only the metric but also the reliability and bandwidth of the links, allowing for more optimal route selection.

Timestamped Summary

00:19RIP and EIGRP are two dynamic routing protocols often encountered in networking exams.

02:19RIP is a distance vector interior gateway protocol that uses hop counts as its metric.

06:08EIGRP is an enhanced version of IGRP and is known for its fast convergence and scalability.

11:09RIP version 1 is classful and doesn't support VLSM, while RIP version 2 is classless and supports VLSM and CIDR.

14:31RIP sends routing updates using broadcast or multicast, while EIGRP uses a proprietary multicast address.

18:28RIP is rarely used in real networks due to its limitations, and EIGRP is commonly used in Cisco networks for its scalability and advanced features.