Distance vector routing (RIP) in Computer Networks - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is Distance Vector Routing Protocol (RIP)?

RIP is a simple routing protocol that helps routers find the best path to send data by sharing information about the distance (number of hops) to other networks.

beginner

How does RIP measure the distance to a destination?

RIP counts the number of hops (routers) between the source and the destination. The path with the fewest hops is chosen as the best route.

intermediate

What is the maximum hop count allowed in RIP?

The maximum hop count in RIP is 15. Any destination more than 15 hops away is considered unreachable.

intermediate

How often does RIP update its routing table?

RIP routers send updates every 30 seconds to share their routing tables with neighbors, helping keep routes current.

advanced

What problem does the 'count to infinity' issue in RIP refer to?

It is a problem where routers keep increasing the hop count for a failed route endlessly, causing slow convergence and routing loops.

What metric does RIP use to select the best route?

A Bandwidth

B Cost

C Delay

D Number of hops

RIP uses the number of hops (routers) as the metric to choose the best path.

What is the maximum number of hops allowed in RIP before a destination is considered unreachable?

A 10

B 30

C 15

D 20

RIP considers any route with more than 15 hops as unreachable.

How often does RIP send routing updates to its neighbors?

A Every 10 seconds

B Every 30 seconds

C Every 60 seconds

D Only when topology changes

RIP sends updates every 30 seconds to keep routing information fresh.

Which problem is common in RIP due to slow convergence?

A Routing loops

B Packet loss

C IP address conflicts

D DNS failure

Routing loops can happen in RIP because of slow updates and the count to infinity problem.

RIP is classified as which type of routing protocol?

A Distance vector

B Link-state

C Path vector

D Hybrid

RIP is a distance vector routing protocol because it uses distance (hop count) vectors to find routes.

Explain how RIP determines the best path to a destination and what limits it has.

Think about how RIP counts routers and how it shares this info.

Describe the 'count to infinity' problem in RIP and why it affects network routing.

Consider what happens when a route fails and routers keep increasing hop counts.