Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol or EIGRP for short is a dynamic routing protocol designed to optimize routing efficiency in computer networks. It was developed by Cisco Systems and some of it's best features include distance vector and link-state routing protocols, offering a scalable and efficient convergence solution for large and complex networks.
EIGRP has DUAL Algorithm which is the foundation of its rapid convergence capabilities. DUAL ensures loop-free operation and quick adaptation to changes in network topology. It also has metric calculation which allows for more accurate representation of the actual path characteristics that is taken into account from the bandwidth, delay, load and reliability metric.
Operations in EIGRP is:
Hello Protocol - EIGRP uses this protocol for neighbor discovery and to establish and maintain neighbor relationships.
Update and Query processes - EIGRP utilizes the RTP (Reliable Transport Protocol) to ensure the delivery of routing information. The protocol employs an update process to distribute routing information and a query process to manage topology changes.
Convergence - EIGRP excels in rapid convergence, promptly adapting to changes in the network topology. This is achieved through DUAL, which minimizes convergence time by utilizing feasible successors and successors.
Some real world applications of EIGRP would be for example in service provider networks, mixed vendor environments and enterpise networks to name a few.
Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP) plays a crucial role in modern networking by providing a reliable and efficient routing solution. Its combination of features, including the DUAL algorithm, metric calculation, and rapid convergence, positions it as a preferred choice for various network scenarios. As networks continue to evolve, EIGRP remains a resilient and adaptable routing protocol, contributing to the seamless flow of data in diverse environments.
