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Routed vs routing protocol

Short answer

A routed protocol (e.g., IP) carries user data with logical addresses for end-to-end delivery. A routing protocol (e.g., RIP, OSPF, BGP) runs between routers to exchange network reachability information and build routing tables. Routers use routing protocols to determine paths for forwarding routed protocol packets.

What is routed and routing protocol? Give examples.

A routed protocol carries the user data from source to destination and has a logical (layer-3) address structure that routers can use to forward packets. A routing protocol is used between routers to exchange information about networks so that they can build and update their routing tables and choose the best path.

PointRouted protocolRouting protocol
PurposeCarries user data (packets)Finds and shares routes
Used byHosts and routersRouters only
OutputPackets forwardedRouting table entries
ExamplesIP (IPv4, IPv6), IPX, AppleTalkRIP, OSPF, EIGRP, IS-IS, BGP
AddressingDefines logical addressesUses those addresses to describe networks

Examples of routing protocols

  • RIP: distance-vector, hop count metric (max 15), updates every 30 s.
  • OSPF: link-state, uses Dijkstra's algorithm, cost metric, works inside one autonomous system.
  • BGP: path-vector, exchanges routes between autonomous systems on the Internet.

Example: when PC-A sends an IP packet to PC-B, IP is the routed protocol. The routers on the way use OSPF or RIP to know which interface leads to PC-B's network.

✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)

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