Description: The Complete Routing Table in the context of EIGRP (Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol) is a comprehensive list of all routes known by a router using this routing protocol. This table includes not only direct routes to connected networks but also routes learned from other routers in the network. Each entry in the table contains crucial information, such as the destination network address, subnet mask, next hop, and associated metric, which determines route preference. EIGRP uses an advanced routing algorithm that combines features of distance vector and link-state routing, allowing for fast and efficient convergence. The Complete Routing Table is essential for routing decision-making, as it enables the router to select the best route for sending data packets to their destination. EIGRP’s ability to dynamically maintain and update this table in response to changes in network topology is one of its standout features, making it a popular choice for complex enterprise networks.
History: EIGRP was developed by Cisco in 1993 as an enhancement of the Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (IGRP). Its design was based on the need for a more efficient and faster routing protocol that could handle larger and more complex networks. Over the years, EIGRP has evolved, incorporating features such as the ability to work with multiple network protocols and the implementation of metrics for bandwidth, delay, load, and reliability to determine the best routes.
Uses: The Complete Routing Table is primarily used in various types of networks to efficiently manage data traffic. It enables routers to make informed decisions about how to route packets, optimizing network performance. Additionally, it is crucial for fault recovery, as it allows routers to redirect traffic in case a route becomes unreachable.
Examples: A practical example of the Complete Routing Table in EIGRP would be in an organization with multiple branches or locations. Each router in the branches maintains a table that includes routes to all networks within the organization, allowing data to flow efficiently between different locations. If a router detects that a route has failed, it can use the information from the table to quickly find an alternative route.
