Routing protocols include Routing Information Protocol (RIP), Open Shortest Path First (OSPF), Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (IGRP), and Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocols (EIGRP). These routing protocols use different methods and metrics to route the packets. Here is the side by comparison table of all these routing protocols.
Difference between RIP, OSPF, IGRP, and EIGRP
RIP |
OSPF |
IGRP |
EIGRP |
| RIP stands for Routing Information Protocol | OSPF stands for Open Shortest Path First | IGRP stands for Interior Gateway Routing Protocol | EIGRP stands for Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol |
| RIP is a distance vector protocol | OSPF is a link state protocol | IGRP is a distance vector protocol | EIGRP Is derived from Integrated Gateway Routing Protocol |
| The metrics used Is hop. | The metrics used are bandwidth and delay. | The metrics used are bandwidth, load, delay, MTU, and reliability. | The metrics used are bandwidth, delay, load and reliability |
| RIP uses Distance vector algorithm to calculate the best path | OSPF uses the SPF algorithm to calculate the best path. | IGRP uses the distance vector algorithm to calculate the best path and the variance mechanism to support unequal-cost load balancing. | EIGRP uses Diffusing update algorithm to calculate the best path. |
| In RIP, networks are not divided into areas or tables. | Routing with OSPF is done in Autonomous System, Areas, Stub Areas and Backbone areas. | IGRP does not support areas or tables but supports multi-part routing. | Routing with EIGRP is done in Neighbour Tables, Topology tables, and Routing tables. |
| Maximum hop count is 15. | No hop count. | Maximum hop count for IGRP-routed packets is 255 and the default is 100. | Maximum hop count is 255. |
