---
title: "Routed vs routing protocol"
subject: "Computer Networks and Security"
chapter: 4
key: "semester_7/computer_networks_and_security:routed-vs-routing-protocol"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/computer_networks_and_security/routed-vs-routing-protocol
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Routed vs routing protocol

Computer Networks and Security · Chapter 4: Network Layer

- Asked in: 2072 Chaitra, 4 marks
- Video: [Routed Vs Routing Protocol](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-69e6ATNLmo) — Network Engineer Stuff
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/computer_networks_and_security/routed-vs-routing-protocol
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_7/computer_networks_and_security/chapter-4

## Question

What is routed and routing protocol? Give examples.

## 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.

## Answer

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.

| Point | Routed protocol | Routing protocol |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Carries user data (packets) | Finds and shares routes |
| Used by | Hosts and routers | Routers only |
| Output | Packets forwarded | Routing table entries |
| Examples | IP (IPv4, IPv6), IPX, AppleTalk | RIP, OSPF, EIGRP, IS-IS, BGP |
| Addressing | Defines logical addresses | Uses 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.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. Which is a routed protocol?
   A. RIP
   B. IP
   C. OSPF
   D. BGP
   Answer: B. Routed protocols carry user data. (Key point: Routed protocol)

2. What do routing protocols do?
   A. Carry user data
   B. Exchange network info to build routing tables
   C. Assign MACs
   D. Encrypt
   Answer: B. They are used between routers. (Key point: Routing protocol)

3. Who uses routing protocols?
   A. Hosts only
   B. Routers only
   C. Switches
   D. Hubs
   Answer: B. Hosts and routers use routed protocols; only routers use routing protocols. (Key point: Users)

4. PC-A sends to PC-B: what is IP, what is OSPF?
   A. IP routing, OSPF routed
   B. IP routed protocol, OSPF routing protocol
   C. Both routed
   D. Both routing
   Answer: B. IP carries the packet; OSPF finds the path. (Key point: Example)

## Related in Computer Networks and Security

- [Routing and need of routing protocol](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fcomputer_networks_and_security%3Arouting-protocol-necessity) — Computer Networks and Security, chapter 4, asked 2×
- [Routing Information Protocol (RIP)](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fcomputer_networks_and_security%3Arip-protocol) — Computer Networks and Security, chapter 4
- [Distance vector vs link state routing](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fcomputer_networks_and_security%3Adv-vs-link-state) — Computer Networks and Security, chapter 4, asked 5×

## Related in other subjects

- [TCP/IP applications; IPv4 vs IPv6 routing](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Finternet_and_intranet%3Atcpip-application-ipv4-ipv6-routing) — Internet and Intranet, chapter 2
- [Link-state routing as adaptive routing](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Ftelecommunications%3Alink-state-adaptive-example) — Telecommunications, chapter 8