Which routing protocol uses a distance vector mechanism?

RIP, or Routing Information Protocol, is considered a distance vector routing protocol. This means that it determines the best path for data packets based on the distance to the destination, quantified as the number of hops. Each router maintains a table of distances to other routers, and they periodically share these tables with their neighbors to inform them of any changes in the network topology.

In distance vector protocols like RIP, routers use a simple metric system to evaluate the paths, where each hop to a router counts as one unit. This method makes RIP relatively easy to configure and implement, although it can be less efficient and slower to converge compared to link-state protocols, such as OSPF, which utilize a different mechanism for routing decisions.

Understanding this fundamental characteristic of RIP is essential for grasping the distinctions between various routing protocols and their respective methodologies, especially for someone studying for the Cisco Certified Support Technician certification. It highlights how routing decisions can be made based on simple metrics and the collaborative nature of distance vector protocols in exchanging routing information.