Router and Switch Configuration

Static or Dynamic Routing

Static routing is where manually entering routes are put into a routing table by using a configuration file that is loaded when the routing device starts up. Another way to setup static routes is by a administrator who configures the routes. Since these routes do not change after they are configured, unless an administrator changes them, they are called static routes.

Using static routing is probably the simplest way to setup routes. But the issues with static routes is that it is a manual process and when changing routing information frequently it can become a very big burden to the administrator that has to manage it. Static routing also does not handle outages or down connections well because any route that is configured manually must be reconfigured manually to fix or repair connectivity between sites.

The only reason to use static routes is if there is little to no changes to routes and if it is limited to one site.

Dynamic routing protocols are software applications that dynamically discover network destinations and knows how to get to these locations. A router will find routes to all direct connected networks first. It will then learn routes from other routers that run the same routing protocol. It uses tables or lists of routes that is stored inside these tables and uses this information to get the best route available to get the information quicker to its destination.

Dynamic protocols will send the best route to other routers. This helps dynamic routing protocols the ability to adapt to logical network topology changes, equipment and network outages quickly.

Using dynamic routing is a much better alternative to using static because of the simplicity and ease to use with little to no overhead and no manual processes. There is smart software that is available that will route information making network routing almost care free.