Fixed and Flooding Routing algorithms


Routing is the process of moving the data across a network from a source to a destination. Routing algorithms are used to decide the route or the output line a packet should be transmitted on. Routing algorithms determine the optimal path to reach a destination.

A good routing algorithm should process properties such as correctness, simplicity, robustness, stability, fairness, and optimality.

Fixed Routing

Fixed routing is used to find a single permanent route for each source-to-destination pair. It determines the routes using a least-cost algorithm and the routes are fixed at least until a change occurs in the network topology.

Fixed Routing − Example

Central Routing Directory and Bridge Routing Table

  • The above central routing directory and bridge-routing table are created by using the least-cost path that is stored in the network control center.
  • The matrix shows the route from each source to the destination and the identity of the next node on the route.

Routing table with different nodes of the network

The following routing table is created for all six nodes. The routing table can be created using the least-min path or the min-hop reach method.

Node 1

DestinationNext Code
22
34
44
54
64

Node 2

DestinationNext Code
11
33
44
54
64

Node 3

DestinationNext Code
15
25
45
55
65

Node 4

DestinationNext Code
12
32
45
55
65

Node 5

DestinationNext Code
14
34
43
54
66

Node 6

DestinationNext Code
15
25
45
55
65

Flooding Routing Algorithm

In a flooding algorithm, network information is not required. It sends the packet by a node to every neighbor.

  • Incoming packets are retransmitted on every link except the incoming link. Several copies arrive at their destination.
  • Each packet is uniquely numbered so that duplicates can be discarded.
  • Nodes can remember the packets already forwarded, to keep network load in bounds.
  • It can include a hop count in packets.
  • It uses all the possible paths.

Flooding Routing Algorithm Diagram −

This diagram uses all the possible paths −

Flooding Routing Algorithm Properties

  • Robustness − All the possible routes between a source and a destination are tried. A packet will always get through as long as at least one path between a source and a destination exists.
  • Optimality − All the routes are tried; at least one copy of the packet to arrive at the destination will have used a minimum-hop route.

Updated on: 23-Nov-2021

2K+ Views

Kickstart Your Career

Get certified by completing the course

Get Started
Advertisements