International Journal of Science, Engineering and TechnologyAuthors: Ahmad Alotaibi, Muath Alkhaldi, Monther Aljaafari, Mohammed Alghefaili
Abstract: Routing protocols are essential components of modern computer networks, responsible for determining the most efficient paths for data to travel between devices. As network infrastructure continues to expand in size and complexity, the choice of routing protocol directly impacts performance, reliability, scalability, and security. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of five widely used routing protocols: Routing Information Protocol (RIP), Open Shortest Path First (OSPF), Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP), Intermediate System to Intermediate System (IS-IS), and Border Gateway Protocol (BGP). The study evaluates these protocols based on five critical performance metrics: convergence time, security mechanisms, scalability, operational speed, and configuration simplicity. RIP, while easy to implement, is limited by slow convergence and poor scalability, making it suitable only for small, static networks. OSPF and IS-IS, both link-state protocols, offer rapid convergence and robust scalability, with IS-IS often outperforming OSPF in large-scale environments due to its simpler architecture. EIGRP, a hybrid protocol developed by Cisco, combines fast convergence with ease of use, but remains constrained by limited interoperability. BGP, the standard for inter-domain routing, excels in scalability and policy control but suffers from slow convergence and complex configuration, alongside ongoing security challenges. The findings highlight that no single protocol is universally optimal. Instead, each protocol offers advantages suited to specific network requirements.
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