Introduction (2.0.1.1)
Routing is at the core of every data network, moving information across an internetwork from source to destination. Routers are the devices responsible for the transfer of packets from one network to the next.
Routers learn about remote networks either dynamically, using routing protocols, or manually, using static routes. In many cases, routers use a combination of both dynamic routing protocols and static routes. This chapter focuses on static routing.
Static routes are very common and do not require the same amount of processing and overhead as dynamic routing protocols.
In this chapter, sample topologies will be used to configure IPv4 and IPv6 static routes and to present troubleshooting techniques. In the process, several important IOS commands and the resulting output will be examined. An introduction to the routing table using both directly connected networks and static routes will be included.
This chapter will also contrast classful routing and the widely implemented classless routing methods. It will cover Classless Inter-Domain Routing (CIDR) and the variable-length subnet mask (VLSM) methods. CIDR and VLSM have helped conserve the IPv4 address space using subnetting and summarization techniques.
Class Activity 2.0.1.2: Which Way Should We Go?
A huge sporting event is about to take place in your city. To attend the event, you make concise plans to arrive at the sports arena on time to see the entire game.
There are two routes you can take to drive to the event:
- Highway route: It is easy to follow and fast driving speeds are allowed.
- Alternative, direct route: You found this route using a city map. Depending on conditions, such as the amount of traffic or congestion, this just may be the way to get to the arena on time!
With a partner, discuss these options. Choose a preferred route to arrive at the arena in time to see every second of the huge sporting event.
Compare your optional preferences to network traffic, which route would you choose to deliver data communications for your small- to medium-sized business? Would your network route be the fastest, easiest route or the alternative, direct route? Justify your choice.
Complete the modeling activity .pdf and be prepared to justify your answers to the class or with another group.