Summary

This chapter introduces readers to the routing and switching protocols used by Ethernet, IP, and FC. The traditional and new definitions of the terms switching and routing are discussed. The issues related to topological loops are discussed. The three types of broadcast traffic are discussed: local, directed, and all-networks. Multicast is not discussed. The categories of routing protocols are discussed: distance vector versus link state, and interior versus exterior. RSTP and MSTP are discussed in the context of Ethernet. RIP, IGRP, EIGRP, OSPF, Integrated IS-IS, EGP, and BGP-4 are discussed in the context of IP. FSPF is discussed in the context of FC.