Final answer:
If distance vector protocols do not allow a router to have much information of the world outside of their own direct neighbors, it can lead to routing instability and sub optimal paths.
Step-by-step explanation:
If distance vector protocols do not allow a router to have much information of the world outside of their own direct neighbors, it can lead to routing instability and sub optimal paths. Distance vector protocols, such as RIP (Routing Information Protocol), operate by exchanging routing information with directly connected neighbors. They only have knowledge of routes that are within their immediate vicinity, or neighbors.
This limitation can cause routing loops and slow convergence in the network. If a router only has information about its immediate neighbors, it may not be able to accurately determine the best path to a destination that is further away. This can result in suboptimal paths being chosen and can lead to network congestion and inefficiency.
On the other hand, link-state protocols, such as OSPF (Open Shortest Path First), overcome these limitations by exchanging complete topology information among routers in the network. They have a more comprehensive view of the network, which allows for better routing decisions and improved network performance.