Routing Table
What Is the Routing Table?
A routing table, also called RIB (Routing Information Base), is a spreadsheet or class database stored in a router or network host. It stores paths to specific network addresses, and in some cases records routing metrics for the paths, it contains network topology information.
In the process of data transmission, the router is mainly responsible for forwarding the packets to the next destination, while the routing table is responsible for mapping out the best path to ultimately achieve efficient and accurate packet forwarding.
As an easy-understanding example, when you need to go somewhere, you open the smart Map App installed on your phone and enter the destination you want to go. At this point, the App will calculate the best route for you based on its internal algorithm and the current traffic conditions, so that you can reach your destination in the fastest and safest way. In this example, you are the packet that needs to be transmitted, the smart Map App is the router, and its built-in algorithm is the routing table.
Types of Routing Table
Static Routing Table
Static routes are uniformly configured by the network administrator, usually pre-set during system installation based on the network. A static routing table records the path that a packet must take to reach its destination, and unless the administrator intervenes, the packet can only ever "take a left turn at this intersection".
It is also because each route of a static route needs to be specified by an administrator that it is not applicable to large or complex networks.
Features:
- Simple configuration
- The ability to accurately control the routing
- Reduces network bandwidth and costs
- No fault tolerance
Dynamic Routing Table
Dynamic routing is closer to the example of using an App for navigation mentioned above. At different times of the day, the App's algorithmically derived routes to the same destination may be different, depending on traffic conditions and weather - a dynamic routing table automatically adapts to the operation of the network system, and is not fixed. Because of its ability to automatically learn and memorize network operations, the dynamic routing table is more suitable for large and complex networks.
Features:
- Configuration is not prone to errors
- Needs to occupy router resources
- Automatically adjusts when the network topology changes
- Suitable for large network configuration
