The basic function of a router is to bridge connections between network segments. Routing is considered a layer-three function of the OSI standard model because it makes use of the IP address layer to guide packet movement. Essentially, all routers rely on a routing table to guide the flow of data. The routing table is used to find the best match to a destination IP address of a packet.
There are several proven algorithms used for efficient routing. One type of routing is dynamic routing, where the algorithms react to changes in the network and topology. Information about the state of the network is shared through a routing protocol on a timed basis or upon a triggered update. Examples of dynamic routing are distance-vector routing ...
