Did you know?
Computer networks intentionally make use of dynamic routing protocols for defining various operations!
The basic idea behind the usage of dynamic routing protocol is that it can take much load as compared to the static protocol.
Though, the most popular dynamic routing protocols that we use today is, distance vector routing algorithms and link routing algorithms.
Here, in this blog post, we are going to talk about distance vector routing algorithms and its related concepts.
Broaden your knowledge arena in this essential concept and start implementing this concept in your computer fundamentals.
Let’s get started!
What do you know about distance vector routing algorithms?
Distance vector routing algorithm is touted as an algorithm that operates by having a router that will help maintain a table [ or a vector] by getting the best distance for each of the destinations to that of the paths you want to go.
Features of the distance vector routing algorithm are:
- The algorithm is distributed in the nature which means that each of the node will receive information from each other or from the nodes that are directly attached with the neighbours
- This algorithm is of iterative nature as its process may continue even if the information is not available for sharing
- This one is mainly used in ARPNET or RIP
- The algorithm is asynchronous as it may not need all the nodes to operate with its locksteps
- The router will maintain a distance table which is defined as the vector
- Data sharing can only be possible with the help of all neighbour nodes
Key points to remember in the distance vector routing algorithms
When you start on the concept of distance vector routing algorithms, there are certain pointers that you should consider. They are:
- Network Information: All the nodes in the network would be having information about all the neighbouring nodes. Each of the node is designed in a way to share the information regarding all the nodes in a given network
- Routing Pattern: In case of the routing pattern, data will be shared by nodes. The data will only get transmitted from the node which is directly linked to one or more nodes in your network
- Data Sharing: The nodes will be able to share all kind of information to their neighbouring nodes as and when there will be a change in their network topology.
Explanation of distance vector routing algorithms
The distance vector algorithm is also called by the names of the Ford Fulkerson algorithm or the Bellman Ford algorithm. The algorithm is best useful for the purpose of finding the shortest nodes from a node to another node in a particular network.
This protocol will help calculate the ideal route from the source to its destination on the basis of distance as the primary metrics.
The routing algorithm in this case is defining the optimal route or path. It is also defined as the distance between neighbouring nodes where routing generally defines routes towards the established nodes.
Bellman Ford Algorithm
To understand this algorithm in a better way, consider the scenario wherein routes are set to run a distance vector routing algorithm. Each router will share some distance information along their neighbouring router.
With each information, optimal distance will get calculated and stored in the respective routing table. The process in this way can be done using the protocol.
How does it work?
The routing algorithm in this case works by maintaining a routing table so as to give the best distance from the source to its destination where the router is being used. The tables get updated by the exchange of information with the neighbour of the direct link.
This table will contain entry from each route and the preferred lines will use the destination or estimated time to reach that destination. The metrics will be best used with the hops required to reach destination. When there is a delay, the router will measure it with the help of milliseconds.
The router exchange in your network topology will store information periodically with the neighbouring nodes to update any information in your routing table. The optimal path will be maintained by sending the data packages from source to their destination. To find this path, you may need to consider several aspects which help you in implementing it better.
Let’s look into the steps:
Step 1: The routers in a network will share the information with their neighbouring router
Step 2: After the creation of separate tables, the information will get shared with neighbouring nodes with the direct link
Step 3: After exchanging the information with the different routers, you can create a new routing table for the separate information
Advantages of the Distance Vector Routing
Distance Vector Routing involves certain advantages that every programmer should know. These advantages include:
- For any typical LAN setting, the requirement of bandwidth is minimal
- Though, compared to the other routing techniques, it requires less time for the working of hardware. Another essential thing that makes it a preferable choice among users is that it requires less computing power
- This one is quite a reliable and fully tested approach. It means that the users can rely on this approach as it is an original routing algorithm
- This routing algorithm is quite simple to use and handle or administer
Disadvantages of Distance Vector Routing
Just like the disadvantages of computer network, there can be certain disadvantages of Distance Vector Routing which includes:
- Time of its convergence is quite slow
- Before making any kind of modifications, routers should be capable of recalculating the routing tables
- There can be a vulnerability of the routing loops
- For the WAN or LAN, the requirements of bandwidth can be quite excessive
Wrapping Up
Distance Vector Routing algorithm is a crucial computer network concept that every computer science aspirant should know to widen their knowledge arena.
This guide has explained everything that needs to be considered while implementing the Distance Vector Routing algorithm and its approaches.
Happy learning!
