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Advance Computer Network

About Subject ACN ( elective ) -:

In Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education (MSBTE) diploma programs, an elective
subject is a course that students can choose from a set of options, in addition to the core
curriculum. Elective subjects allow students to tailor their education to their interests and
career goals by selecting topics that are not mandatory but are available as part of the broader
curriculum. These subjects often provide specialized knowledge and skills that can enhance a
student's expertise in a particular area of their field.

The "Advanced Computer Network" subject in a diploma or engineering program typically covers in-
depth topics related to computer networking. The curriculum aims to provide students with a
comprehensive understanding of advanced networking concepts, protocols, and technologies.

Chapters / Syllabus

1. Network Layers & Protocols

2. Next Generation IP

3. Unicast & Multicast Routing Protocols

4. Transport Layer Protocols

5. Application Layer Protocols

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Chapter 3 – Unicast & Multicast Routing Protocols

( Part 1 )

1.1 What is Routing ?

Routing in advanced computer networks refers to the process of selecting the optimal paths
through which data packets are transmitted from a source to a destination across a network. In
large, complex networks—such as those in enterprise environments, data centers, or the
Internet—routing is a critical function to ensure efficient, reliable, and scalable
communication. Routers (network devices) use routing protocols and algorithms to make
intelligent decisions about how to forward packets based on network topology, performance,
and various other criteria.

Key Concepts in Routing

1. Router:
o A router is a network device responsible for forwarding data packets between
different networks. It uses a routing table to determine the best path to the
destination.
2. Routing Table:
o A routing table stores information about network destinations and paths.
Routers consult this table to determine where to forward incoming packets.
3. Packet Forwarding:
o Routers receive packets, inspect their destination IP addresses, and forward
them to the next appropriate hop based on routing decisions. This process
continues until the packet reaches its destination.
4. Path Selection:

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o Routing involves selecting the optimal path to send data through the network.
The optimal path may be based on metrics such as hop count, bandwidth,
delay, cost, and network congestion.
5. Static vs. Dynamic Routing:
o Static Routing: In static routing, network administrators manually configure
routing paths. This is suitable for small, simple networks but lacks flexibility
and scalability.
o Dynamic Routing: In dynamic routing, routers automatically adjust routes
based on current network conditions using routing protocols. This approach is
more adaptable to changes in network topology, such as link failures or
congestion.

1.2 What is Routing Protocol ?

A routing protocol in advanced computer networks defines the rules and procedures that
routers use to communicate with each other, share information about network topology, and
make decisions on how to forward data packets. The primary goal of a routing protocol is to
determine the best path for data to travel from its source to its destination. This process is
critical for ensuring efficient, reliable, and scalable communication in complex networks,
such as those used in enterprise or service provider environments.

Here’s an advanced explanation of the key aspects and types of routing protocols:

1. Key Concepts in Routing

• Routing Table: Every router maintains a routing table that stores information about
available paths to different network destinations. The routing table is dynamically
updated as the network topology changes.
• Metric: A metric is a value used by routing protocols to determine the best path to a
destination. Metrics may include hop count, bandwidth, delay, load, reliability, or a
combination of these.

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• Convergence: Convergence refers to the state when all routers in the network have
consistent routing information, ensuring that they can accurately forward packets.
• Scalability and Hierarchy: Routing protocols must be able to handle large networks.
To achieve scalability, hierarchical structures such as areas or autonomous systems
(AS) are used to limit the scope of routing information.

1.3 Inter Domain & Intra Domain Routing

1. Intra-Domain Routing

Intra-domain routing, also known as Interior Gateway Routing, is the process of routing
data within a single autonomous system (AS). An autonomous system is a collection of IP
networks and routers under the control of a single organization, such as a company or an
Internet service provider (ISP). Intra-domain routing focuses on finding the optimal paths
within this bounded area, ensuring data packets reach their destination efficiently.

Key Features of Intra-Domain Routing:

• Autonomous System (AS): An AS is a network or group of networks that is managed

by a single organization, and all routers within the AS work together to deliver traffic.
• Objective: The goal is to ensure optimal and efficient routing within the AS using
metrics like bandwidth, delay, or hop count.
• Routing Protocols: Common intra-domain routing protocols include:
o OSPF (Open Shortest Path First): A link-state protocol that calculates the
shortest path using the Dijkstra algorithm.
o EIGRP (Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol): A Cisco
proprietary protocol that combines aspects of distance-vector and link-state
routing.
o RIP (Routing Information Protocol): A distance-vector protocol based on
hop count, though it is generally limited to smaller networks due to its
simplicity.

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Characteristics of Intra-Domain Routing Protocols:

• Fast Convergence: Since all routers share routing information frequently within an
AS, convergence times (the time it takes for routers to learn about changes in the
network) are faster.
• Metric-based Path Selection: Intra-domain protocols choose routes based on
predefined metrics like bandwidth, hop count, or delay, to provide the best path within
the AS.
• Hierarchical Routing (Optional): In larger networks, routing domains can be
subdivided into areas (e.g., OSPF areas) to improve scalability and manageability.

Example:

Consider a large corporate network with multiple departments, each with its own routers.
Intra-domain routing protocols like OSPF or EIGRP would be used to determine the best path
for data traffic within the organization’s network.

2. Inter-Domain Routing

Inter-domain routing, also known as Exterior Gateway Routing, deals with routing data
between different autonomous systems (ASes). This is essential for communication over the
global Internet, where many different organizations manage their own networks, and packets
need to be routed from one AS to another.

Key Features of Inter-Domain Routing:

• Multiple Autonomous Systems (ASes): Inter-domain routing involves finding the

best path across multiple ASes, each of which may have its own internal routing
policies and preferences.
• Objective: The goal is not just optimal routing, but also routing based on business
relationships, policies, and other considerations between ASes (e.g., ISPs).
• Routing Protocol: The primary protocol for inter-domain routing is:

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o BGP (Border Gateway Protocol): BGP is a path-vector protocol used to
exchange routing information between ASes. It supports policy-based routing,
allowing each AS to control the traffic entering or leaving its network based
on its preferences and business agreements.

Characteristics of Inter-Domain Routing Protocols:

• Policy-based Routing: Unlike intra-domain routing, inter-domain routing is heavily

influenced by routing policies. These policies can be based on commercial agreements
(e.g., peering agreements between ISPs) or security considerations.
• Scalability: Inter-domain routing protocols like BGP are designed to handle large-
scale routing, often with millions of routes across the Internet.
• Slower Convergence: Since BGP involves communication between ASes,
convergence can be slower than intra-domain protocols. This is especially true during
significant network changes, such as the failure of a major Internet backbone link.

Example:When you access a website hosted in another country, the data packets must
traverse several ASes (possibly through different ISPs). BGP is used by each AS to announce
the routes that they manage and make routing decisions across the global Internet.

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