Question

Difficulty: MediumRouting Concepts and Dynamic Routing Protocols

A network administrator is documenting core dynamic routing protocol classifications for an enterprise network audit. Match each dynamic routing protocol on the left with its corresponding path-selection algorithm and primary operational attribute on the right.

  • OSPFOperates as an interior link-state protocol using Dijkstra's Shortest Path First algorithm to build a complete topology map of the area.
  • BGPFunctions as a path-vector exterior gateway protocol that relies on Autonomous System path length and policy attributes for routing decisions.
  • EIGRPUtilizes the Diffusing Update Algorithm (DUAL) to deliver fast convergence and maintain loop-free backup routes based on bandwidth and delay metrics.
  • RIPv2Calculates best paths using pure distance-vector metrics based on hop count, with a maximum allowable hop count limit of 15.

Answer

OSPF matches with the link-state protocol using Dijkstra's algorithm; BGP matches with the path-vector exterior gateway protocol using AS path attributes; EIGRP matches with the protocol utilizing the DUAL algorithm and composite bandwidth/delay metrics; RIPv2 matches with the distance-vector protocol using hop count capped at 15.
Each routing protocol matches its exact architectural behavior: OSPF is a link-state protocol using Dijkstra's SPF algorithm; BGP is an exterior path-vector protocol using AS-Path attributes; EIGRP is an advanced distance-vector protocol using DUAL and bandwidth/delay metrics; RIPv2 is a distance-vector protocol capped at a 15-hop limit.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the protocol classification and underlying algorithm for OSPF.
OSPF is a link-state interior routing protocol that relies on the Shortest Path First (SPF) Dijkstra algorithm.
Link-state updates allow OSPF routers to construct a complete map of network link states across an autonomous area.
2
Identify the scope and path-selection attribute system for BGP.
BGP is a path-vector exterior gateway protocol governed by Autonomous System hops and administrative policies.
BGP is specifically designed for inter-domain routing between autonomous systems on global networks.
3
Distinguish between EIGRP and RIPv2 distance-vector implementations.
EIGRP uses DUAL with composite metrics (bandwidth/delay), whereas RIPv2 uses hop count up to a maximum limit of 15.
EIGRP achieves fast loop-free convergence via DUAL feasible successors, while RIPv2 is constrained by classic distance-vector metric limitations.

Key Concept

Classification, algorithmic behavior, and path determination metrics of dynamic routing protocols.
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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