Final answer:
Routing metrics are criteria used by routing algorithms to select the best path through a network and include Bandwidth, Latency, Link cost, and Reliability.
Step-by-step explanation:
Routing metrics are used by routing algorithms to determine the best path for data to travel across a network. Four different routing metrics that can be considered include:
- Bandwidth: This refers to the data carrying capacity of a link. Routers might prefer a path with higher bandwidth, considering it can handle more data.
- Latency: The time it takes for a packet of data to move from the source to the destination. A route with lower latency is often preferred.
- Link cost: Often calculated based on various factors like bandwidth, latency, load, etc., and can be used in determining the most cost-effective path.
- Reliability: An assessment of the error rate of each network link. A more reliable (fewer errors) route is usually preferred.
These metrics help network devices decide which route to take out of multiple possible routes to a destination.