What are the two main types of IGPs (Interior Gateway Protocols)?

The two main types of Interior Gateway Protocols (IGPs) are distance vector protocols and link-state protocols. This classification is crucial for understanding how routing decisions are made within an autonomous system.

Distance vector protocols, such as RIP (Routing Information Protocol) and EIGRP (Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol), operate by sharing routing tables with neighboring routers. They determine the best path to a destination based on the number of hops, which can sometimes lead to slower convergence and issues like routing loops.

On the other hand, link-state protocols, like OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) and IS-IS (Intermediate System to Intermediate System), maintain a complete topology of the network by sharing information about the state of their links with all other routers in the network. This allows for more efficient routing decisions based on the actual state of the network, leading to faster convergence and a more reliable routing environment.

Understanding the differences between these two types is essential for network professionals when designing and troubleshooting network systems.