IP Routing 101

Understanding how data travels across the internet can be complex. When computers and devices connect to the internet, they communicate using Internet Protocol (IP) packets. But how do these packets navigate the vast network of wires, fiber optics, and radio waves to reach their destination?

This course dives deep into the crucial role of routers within the internet infrastructure. We'll explore the functions routers perform and the essential routing protocols they utilize. Learn about protocols like RIP, OSPF, and BGP, and how they operate in the control plane.

You'll discover how these protocols enable Shortest Path First (SPF) decision-making, allowing routers to efficiently and quickly deliver packets to their intended recipients. Gaining a solid understanding of this process is fundamental to grasping the inner workings of the internet.

Key topics include:

• Internet Routing Fundamentals: Learn the core principles of how data packets are routed across the internet.
• Router Functions: Explore the vital roles routers play in network communication.
• Routing Protocols (RIP, OSPF, BGP): A detailed examination of popular routing protocols and their applications.
• Shortest Path First (SPF): Understand how routers determine the most efficient path for data transmission.
• Control Plane Operations: Delve into the control plane functions that drive routing decisions.