Routing Basics
Routing is the foundation of network communication between different subnets. While switching handles traffic within a local network, routing ensures that data finds the best possible path to reach its destination. A solid understanding of routing fundamentals is crucial before working with more advanced protocols and designs.
Configuring Static Routes
In this topic, you’ll explore how routers make forwarding decisions based on the routing table, administrative distance, and the Longest Prefix Match rule. You’ll also configure static routes, including default and floating routes, to define precise traffic paths and provide reliable failover solutions when dynamic routing is unavailable.
Optimizing Routing Performance
You’ll finish by studying techniques like route summarization and Equal-Cost Multi-Path (ECMP) routing, which simplify routing tables and enhance performance. These concepts are key to maintaining scalable, stable, and efficient networks. Mastering routing fundamentals will give you the confidence to progress toward dynamic routing protocols such as OSPF and EIGRP, where automation and scalability take center stage.