Description: Administrative Distance (AD) is a value that evaluates the reliability of a routing protocol compared to other protocols. This value is used in the routing decision-making process within a router, allowing the device to select the best route to a specific destination. AD is expressed as an integer, where a lower value indicates higher reliability. For example, the OSPF routing protocol has an AD of 110, while the EIGRP protocol has an AD of 90 for internal routes, meaning EIGRP is considered more reliable than OSPF. Administrative Distance is crucial in network environments where multiple routing protocols may be in use simultaneously, as it helps avoid conflicts and ensures that the most efficient routes are utilized. Additionally, AD can be manually adjusted by network administrators to influence routing behavior, allowing for greater flexibility and control over the network topology. In summary, Administrative Distance is an essential component in network management, facilitating the selection of optimal routes and improving data traffic efficiency.
