Routing And Switching Questions Medium
Static routing is a method used in computer networks to manually configure the paths that network traffic should take from one network to another. Unlike dynamic routing, which uses routing protocols to automatically determine the best path for data packets, static routing requires network administrators to manually configure the routing tables on routers.
In static routing, administrators manually specify the next hop or outgoing interface for each destination network in the routing table. This means that the routing decisions are predetermined and do not change dynamically based on network conditions or changes in the network topology.
Static routing is typically used in small networks or in situations where the network topology is simple and stable. It offers several advantages, including simplicity, as there is no need to configure or maintain routing protocols, and it consumes fewer network resources compared to dynamic routing. Additionally, static routing can provide better security as it does not advertise network information to other routers.
However, static routing has limitations. It does not adapt to changes in the network, such as link failures or congestion, and requires manual intervention to update the routing tables when network changes occur. This can be time-consuming and error-prone, especially in large and complex networks. Static routing also does not provide load balancing or redundancy, as all traffic is directed through the predetermined paths.
In summary, static routing is a basic method of routing in computer networks where administrators manually configure the routing tables on routers to determine the paths for network traffic. It is simple to implement and offers better security but lacks adaptability and scalability compared to dynamic routing protocols.