Many people are confused by two important concepts in computer networking: routing and routed protocols. Both are related to the OSI model’s network layer, which is in charge of providing logical addressing and packet routing between various networks. Each has unique characteristics and attributes. This blog post will go into great length on the differences between routing protocol and routed protocol, and it will attempt to show each one independently using examples.
What are Routing Protocols
A routed protocol is one that covers the process of sending data or user information over the network from one host to another. It provides data packets with logical addressing and encapsulation while functioning at the network layer of the OSI architecture. To determine the optimal path to its destination, a routed protocol depends on a routing protocol.
A method of addressing that can be used to address a particular network and a host inside it is used by routed protocols.
What are Non-Routable Protocols
Non-routable communication protocols cannot pass through routers because they are limited to a particular network segment. They don’t have the necessary addressing information for inter-network routing, hence they are only intended for limited communication within a certain subnet. These protocols are often used to enable communication exclusively between local networks in limited, enclosed spaces.
Characteristics of Non-Routable Protocol
- Only local segments should be allowed.
- Router crossing is not possible.
- Suitable for small closed systems.
Examples of Non-Routable protocols
- NetBIOS, or the Network Basic Input/Output System: This early version of the AppleTalk protocol was created for Windows-based systems and offers LAN (local area network) services like file sharing, user authentication, and name resolution.
- AppleTalk: When the Apple Company was still quite small, they created this early networking system.
- Imagine a small office that uses NetBIOS for file sharing. All of the computers in this office are connected to the same subnet, so there is no interference when they speak with one another. Routers cannot pass NetBIOS, therefore if one machine was transferred to a different subnet, it would no longer be able to communicate with other computers using NetBIOS.
What are Routable Protocols
Wide area connectivity is made possible by routing protocols, which, on the other hand, allow data transmission between different networks via network routers. Addressing information is one of these protocols that directs packets onto various networks. For example, it would be difficult to link numerous computer networks into one enormous internet without these protocols.
Characteristics of routable protocols
- Capable of connecting various networks and navigating routers.
- Suitable for large, internet-like systems.
- Hierarchical addressing is supported.
Examples of Routable Protocols
- Internet Protocol (IP): The backbone of the internet is the most widely used routable protocol. Packets are routed across several networks using IP addresses to get from their source to their destination.
- Open Shortest Path First (OSPF): It is a routing protocol used in big business networks to determine the optimal path for data.
- The Border Gateway Protocol (BGP): It is a protocol that controls internet packet routing, especially when connecting big networks or independent systems.
How Routing works for Routable Protocols
- Addressing: An Internet Protocol address is assigned to each machine.
- Packet Creation: Data is separated into small packets, each including an IP address for the source and destination.
- Routing Decision: Based on the information included in packet headers, routers choose the best route for a packet to take in order to get to its destination.
- Forwarding: Packets on the selected path are forwarded by routers.
- Delivery: The packets arrive at their destination and are combined back into the original data.
Differences between Routable and Non-Routable Protocols
| S.No | Routable Protocol | Non-Routable Protocol |
| 1. | Routable protocols are those which allow data to be transferred between networks. | Non-routable protocols are those that don’t allow data from being sent from one network to another. |
| 2. | Routers are used to send data packets from one network to another. | A router cannot be used to route data over a network using non-routable protocols. |
| 3. | Both a device address and a network address are contained in it. | It only contains the device address; it neglects the network address. |
| 4. | It is used to build large networks. | It is designed to work on small and local networks. |
| 5. | A router can be used to pass data for routable protocols. | Data from a non-routable protocol cannot be transmitted through a router. |
| 6. | Routable protocols work with a router. | Non-Routable protocols cannot be used with a router and are made to operate on small devices. |
| 7. | They are complex. | They are less complex than routable protocols. |
| 8. | It is possible to limit all routable protocols to specific networks. | There is only one network that will support all non-routable protocols. |
| 9. | Internet Protocol (IP) is one such. IPv4 and IPv6 are the two versions of the Internet Protocol. | Protocol for the Internet (IP). IPv4 and IPv6 are the two versions of the Internet Protocol. |
Why Choose LeaseIPx
It is more important than ever to have routable, dependable IP addresses in the increasingly connected world. Effective IP resource management may make all the difference for any type of business, including growing companies, hosting companies, and data center operators. This is where LeaseIPx comes into play.
Advantages of choosing LeaseIPx:
Flexible Options for IP Leasing: Flexible leasing options are available from LeaseIPx for companies of all sizes. IP addresses can be leased for a long-term expansion or a short-term project; LeaseIPx offers flexible leasing solutions to suit your requirements.
Large IP Inventory: LeaseIPx guarantees that you have access to the resources you require, even as IPv4 addresses grow more and more scarce, thanks to its large inventory of IPv4 and IPv6 addresses.
Global Reach: LeaseIPx offers globally routable IP addresses, ensuring uninterrupted delivery of your services to clients and partners worldwide.
Professional Support: Handling the intricacies of IP addressing and routing can prove to be difficult. LeaseIPx provides professional assistance to help you effectively manage your intellectual property (IP) resources, guaranteeing peak performance and adherence to local, national, and global laws.
Competitive Pricing: LeaseIPx guarantees that you receive the highest return on your investment with competitive pricing. You can successfully budget with their transparent pricing plan, which has no hidden fees.
Conclusion
Effective network design and management require an understanding of the differences between routable and non-routable protocols. Although routable protocols are necessary for communication over large networks, such as the internet, non-routable protocols play important roles in localized networks. In order to help you scale and confidently manage your network, organizations like LeaseIPx provide the knowledge and tools you need to make sure your company has the IP resources it needs. Whether you require a long-term solution or are looking to lease IP addresses for a project that will run for a short while, LeaseIPx offers the alternatives that will work best for you.
FAQ
Q1. What is the difference between routable and non-routable IPv4 addresses?
Non-routable addresses are kept for internal usage within private networks and cannot be routed over the internet, whereas router addresses are globally unique and reachable via the internet.
Q2. How are routable IPv4 addresses allocated?
Internet service providers (ISPs) assign their clients routable IPv4 addresses so they can connect to the internet and communicate with devices anywhere in the globe.
Q3. Can non-routable IPv4 addresses be used for internet communication?
No, non-routable IPv4 addresses cannot be accessed directly from the internet; they are only allowed to be used for internal network communication.
Q4. Are there any security implications associated with routable and non-routable IPv4 addresses?
Yes, in order to implement effective network security measures like intrusion detection, firewall setting, and network segmentation, it is essential to grasp the differences between routable and non-routable addresses.
Q5. Can routable and non-routable IPv4 addresses coexist within the same network?
Yes, networks frequently use both routable and non-routable addresses at the same time. Non-routable addresses are utilized for internal network functions, whereas router addresses help with outward communication.
