Answer:
Routing and switching are two essential functions in computer networking. Switching involves the process of connecting devices within a local area network (LAN), while routing involves forwarding data packets between different networks.
Routing protocols are used to determine the most efficient path for data to take across the internet. Some of the most widely used routing protocols in the Internet include:
Border Gateway Protocol (BGP): BGP is the main protocol used for routing traffic between different autonomous systems (AS) on the internet. It is a path-vector protocol, which means that it uses a vector of path attributes to determine the best path for traffic to take.
Open Shortest Path First (OSPF): OSPF is a link-state protocol that is used for routing traffic within an autonomous system (AS). It calculates the shortest path between routers based on the link cost.
Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP): EIGRP is a hybrid protocol that combines the features of both distance-vector and link-state protocols. It is commonly used in Cisco networks.
The future of networking is expected to involve the widespread adoption of Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Functions Virtualization (NFV). SDN separates the control plane from the data plane, allowing network administrators to centrally manage and control their network infrastructure. NFV allows network services to be virtualized, making it easier to scale and manage network resources. These technologies are expected to enable greater network agility, flexibility, and programmability.
Step-by-step explanation: