In computer networks, the data is converted into packets to transfer from source to destination. For the transmission of data packets, the network layer decides the best path, through which the data is to be transmitted. The network layer provides datagram and virtual circuit services and also shows the best route to transfer the packets from source to destination. The network layers give routing protocol, which is a routing algorithm, that gives the best and least path through which data is transmitted from source to destination. This article gives an overview of routing algorithms and their types.
What is a Routing Algorithm?
A routing algorithm is a routing protocol decided by the network layer where the data packets are transmitted from source to destination. This algorithm provides the best path i e, the least-cost path, through which data is transmitted from sender/source to receiver/destination.
A set of operations are performed by the network layer, which regulates the traffic of internet usage effectively and efficiently. This is known as a routing algorithm in computer networks. It is used to determine the best path or route mathematically.
Routing Algorithm in Computer Networks
In communication networks, there will be multiple paths to transfer the data from source to destination. One path should be preferred over others to reach the destination. The process of selecting the path or showing the path is known as routing. Routers are the network devices used to select the route by some software programming. In computer networks, it contains the information regarding the selected best routes, through which data is to be transferred from source to destination.
For example, to compute the best path, this algorithm uses different methods. One of the methods is the distance vector method. In this type of routing, all the possible routes at every node (point) are computed in the form of a graph that gives the cost of travel to the immediate node/neighbor. The total routing information will be collected to create a routing table (distance table), which is used to calculate the best route from one node to another node. An example of the routing algorithm is shown below figure.
Routing Algorithm
Different Types
There are different types of routing algorithms, to determine the best path for data packets at every to reach the receiver or destination. A routing table is created to check whether the incoming data line matches with the output data.
The different types of routing algorithm are,
- Distance-Vector Algorithm: it is required to exchange the information between the nodes, which are connected directly.
- Link State Routing Algorithm: it is also known as centralized routing.
- Path to the Vector Routing Algorithm
Types of Routing Algorithm in Computer Networks
It is a routing protocol used to show the best route, through which data packets are transmitted to the destination. It helps to transfer the data to the destination effectively. There are 2 types of routing algorithms in computer networks. They are,
Adaptive Type
It is also known as dynamic routing. The selection of routes and change of routing decisions depends on the network traffic and topology used. It calculates and optimizes parameters like hop count, the distance of the path to reach the destination, and approximate transit time. It requires dynamic data like network topology, load, and delays to select the best route.
Isolated Routing
It is a routing algorithm, which takes the information of the routing from the local information other than the information from the neighbor nodes. Routing decisions are done by using only the local information that it has and it doesn’t gather any data from other nodes. The node will not have any information regarding the status of the link. The main disadvantage of an isolated routing algorithm is, the data packets are transferred through a narrow/congested network, which results in a delay to reach the destination. Examples are hot potato routing and backward learning.
Centralized Routing
This type of algorithm is also known as global routing or link-state routing. With the help of complete information of the network topology, it calculates and selects the best least-cost route to transfer the data packets between the sender/source and receiver/destination. The connection between the nodes and input as link cost is achieved before the calculation of routes.
The centralized node contains all the data of the network topology to make correct routings and if there is any failure, then the total network goes down. The main advantage is, only one node will have the information about the total network.
Distribution Routing
This type of routing algorithm is also known as decentralized routing or distance vector routing algorithm because it calculates the least-cost route between the destination and source. The node, which sends the data packets receives the information from the neighbors and decides the routing of the data packets to reach the destination. If there is any change in the time interval while receiving the information, the sending of the data packet might be delayed.
The node, which sends the data packets doesn’t contain any information about the complete route between the source and destination and network links. It contains the information about the least-cost path, through which data packets are to be transferred
Non-adaptive Type
It is also referred to as static routing. In this type of algorithm, the routing of the data packets doesn’t depend on the network topology and the traffic of the network. The routers store the information of the routing when the network gets booted. The best route will be decided in advance and there will be no change.
Flooding Routing
In this type, all the outgoing links receive every incoming data packet except the one, from which the packet has generated. The duplicate packets might be generated at the node due to the loop links. This drawback can be resolved by using sequential numbers, spanning tree, and hop count.
Random Walk Routing
In this type of routing algorithm, the data packets are transferred between host to host or node to node to one of its neighbors reach the destination randomly. This type is very hard and the packets are transferred onto the link, which is in the queue.
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Thus, this is all about an overview of routing algorithms – definition, and types in computer networks. Here is a question for you, “What are the advantages of routing algorithms? “