The Routing Information Protocol (RIP) is a dynamic routing protocol that helps to find the shortest path between two hops. This tutorial checks the working of the RIP protocol, its importance, and its different versions.
RIP is an interior gateway protocol (IGP) using the distance-vector routing algorithm.
The Importance of Routing Information Protocol
It creates a routing table that helps routers to find the network layout. Dynamic Routing table helps to understand the changes in network connections.
Working of Routing Information Protocol
John Bailey asked me in the comment section to explain the workings of this protocol.
RIP is a distance-vector routing protocol. It uses hop count as the routing metric.
15 is the maximum number of hops allowed in RIP.
RIP sends routing-update messages at regular intervals and and updates the routing table when the network topology changes. The average RIP update time is 30 seconds, while the hold-down time is 180 seconds.
In Which OSI Layer RIP Works?
Sharanya Mohan, a reader of our blog, CoreNetworkZ, asked this question. It is an important question.
One of the interviewer's favorite questions for a network engineer recruitment is which OSI layer RIP works. RIP is based on UDP and working in the Transport layer.
Routing by RIP is also called routing by rumor.
We have covered the importance and the working of the RIP. Let us check how the Routing Information Protocol maintains stability.
RIP Stability Features
I read one question from Arun Kumar in the blog comment section. He wanted to know how RIP keeps its stability. RIP implements the following mechanisms to maintain stability. They are:
Split horizon
Route poisoning
Hold down mechanisms
What Are the Different Versions of Routing Information Protocol?
One of the repeated CCNA questions is about the different types of RIP. I do not wonder why I keep getting this question. Robin Matthews asked this question in the comments. There are three versions of Routing Information Protocol. They are:
RIP version
RIP version 2
RIPng
RIP version 1 is the basic RIP which doesn't support VLSM. This drawback is fixed on the RIP version 2 where it supports Variable Length Subnet Mask (VLSM).
RIPv1 is a Classful Routing Protocol.
RIP version 2 uses multicast where RIP version 1 uses broadcast to send routing updates.
RIPv2 is a Classless Routing Protocol.
RIP version 2 multicasts routing updates to the address 224.0.0.9. RIPng is specially defined for IP version 6.
Reference
Today, I have covered the basics of Routing Information Protocol. If anyone is looking for a detailed tutorial, I suggest these references.
- https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/switches/lan/catalyst2960xr/software/15_2_7_e/configuration_guide/b_1527e_consolidated_2960xr_cg/routing_information_protocol.pdf
- https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/zos/3.1.0?topic=omproute-routing-information-protocol
Route poisoning is another kind of RIP stabilizing.
ReplyDeleteYes
DeleteHello Alex,
ReplyDeleteIn which OSI layer does the Routing Information Protocol work?
Hi Sharanya,
DeleteWelcome to CoreNetworkZ. RIP works in the Transport Layer.
Can you explain the different versions of the Routing Information Protocol?
ReplyDeleteHello Robin,
DeleteCurrently, it has three versions. I have explained them in the article.
How does this protocol maintain the stability?
ReplyDeleteHi Arun Kumar,
DeleteI explained the three different mechanisms RIP uses to maintain stability.
Can you explain the workings of RIP in simple sentences?
ReplyDeleteHi John,
DeleteI have added it to the article.