What is the difference between static and dynamic routing?

Static routing and dynamic routing are two different methods used in computer networks to determine the path that data packets should take to reach their destination. The main difference between static and dynamic routing lies in how the routing table is created and updated.

Static Routing:
Static routing involves manually configuring the routing table on each network device. Network administrators manually enter the routes into the routing table, specifying the destination network and the next hop or outgoing interface for each route. Once the routes are configured, they remain unchanged unless manually modified. Static routing is typically used in small networks with a simple network topology, where the network infrastructure remains relatively stable. It is easy to configure and requires minimal processing power, making it a suitable choice for networks with limited resources. However, static routing does not adapt to changes in the network, such as link failures or congestion, and requires manual intervention to update the routing table.

Dynamic Routing:
Dynamic routing, on the other hand, uses routing protocols to automatically exchange routing information between network devices. These protocols allow routers to dynamically learn about the network topology and update their routing tables accordingly. Dynamic routing protocols, such as OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) or RIP (Routing Information Protocol), enable routers to share information about the network's current state, including the availability and cost of different routes. This information is used to calculate the best path for data packets to reach their destination. Dynamic routing adapts to changes in the network, automatically adjusting the routing table when link failures occur or new routes become available. It provides scalability and flexibility, making it suitable for larger networks with complex topologies. However, dynamic routing protocols require more processing power and network bandwidth compared to static routing.

In summary, the main difference between static and dynamic routing is that static routing requires manual configuration of the routing table and does not adapt to network changes, while dynamic routing uses routing protocols to automatically update the routing table based on the current network state.