IP routing is the application of routing methodologies to IP networks. It involves protocols, technologies, and policies of worldwide organizations to configure internet infrastructure. IP routing is an essential component of a successful Internet infrastructure. Listed below are some of the most important IP routing protocols. These protocols help to ensure that data flows through the network are as fast as possible. But, which one is better? How do you decide which one is right for your needs? Read on to find out.
Among the various types of internet routing, BGP is the most widely used. This protocol is the de-facto interdomain Internet routing protocol. It is based on local routing policies and is used to determine how and where Internet traffic flows. Individual networks apply their own policies to data to ensure it reaches its destination. As more networks connect to the Internet, the size of the internet routing table is growing, as well. By the year 2025, it is expected to grow to 1.5M routes.
Once the packet has been determined, it is routed to the nearest router. In the diagram above, the left router is the router the packet goes to, followed by three routers on the right. The green arrows indicate the direction in which the packet should go. From left to right, the packet should be sent to the router that knows where it should be sent. If a packet goes to the wrong router, it will be sent back to the source.
The BGP security issue has prompted network operators to develop new standards, specifications, and best practice recommendations. The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), the principal authority for internet standards, has finalized several standards that reduce BGP security risks. BGPsec is one such standard, which offers security for the reachability information path. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has also released a practice guide to validate the origins of routing information and resilient exchange between independently managed networks.
The FCC needs to develop a whole-of-government approach to secure internet routing infrastructure. Because a significant portion of internet routing infrastructure is located outside the United States, it is essential to navigate international coordination issues and ensure that routing information is secure. A critical mass of providers in a particular region could tip the balance towards global adoption. But these efforts are not without risk. While the FCC can’t prevent all attacks, it can help ensure that the public is protected in the event of a cyberattack.
The correctness of Internet routing depends on the behavior of the network. The routing protocol must be correct if interactions among networks do not violate its correctness specification. Some networks may have competing policies, and a formal model of the Internet routing protocol guarantees that there are no unintended policy interactions causing protocol oscillation. In addition, the interdomain routing protocol provides flexibility to each independent network. These characteristics make interdomain routing a superior choice for a wide-area national network.