Difference between Static and Dynamic Routing

Routing is the technique of determining the optimal path to transmit the data from one location to another. The router may assist in completing this task. It is a device that operates on the network layer of the OSI model and the internet layer of the TCP and IP model. The routing algorithm enables the router to select the best route between the source and the destination. Furthermore, it stores path data in a table known as the routing table. Static and dynamic routing are the two forms of routing. Static routes are configured before any network interactions. In contrast, dynamic routing needs routers to communicate information with other routers to learn about network paths.

In this article, you will learn about the difference between static and dynamic routing. But before discussing the differences, you must know about static and dynamic routing with their advantages and disadvantages.

What is Static Routing?

It is also known as "non-adaptive routing". The network administrator contains the routes in the routing table while using this routing. As a result, the router transfers data from the source to the destination using the administrator-defined route. Routing decisions don't depend on factors like network traffic or topology.

Furthermore, static routing doesn't need much bandwidth between routers. The network is also more secure because the network administrator conducts the necessary routing activities. Furthermore, the overall cost of static routing is less. Static routing is also unsuitable for big networks with significant traffic due to the difficulties of manually adding routes to routing tables. Furthermore, the administrator must be familiar with the network to add routes to the routing table manually.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Static Routing

There are various advantages and disadvantages of static routing. Some main advantages and disadvantages of static routing are as follows:

Advantages

1. It can easily implement in small networks.
2. It doesn't need bandwidth usage between the routers.
3. It doesn't need additional resources as update mechanisms are not required.
4. It is a more secure routing.
5. It is more predictable because the route is specified to the destination.

Disadvantages

1. It is not helpful for complicated topologies and large networks.
2. When the link is failed, it may affect the traffic rerouting.
3. The administrator must use extreme caution when configuring the routes.

What is Dynamic Routing?

Dynamic routing is also known as "adaptive routing", and it is a method of automatic routing. In other words, when new routers are introduced to the network, the routing tables change. When a router fails, the routing table automatically modifies to get the destination. As a result, dynamic routing responds to network and traffic changes. This routing method employs dynamic routing algorithms to find new routes to the destination. As a result, all network routers should use dynamic routing protocols that are consistent.

Dynamic routing needs fewer routes. Moreover, it offers more accurate results in determining the optimum path based on network changes. However, this routing method needs more bandwidth and offers less security.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Dynamic Routing

There are various advantages and disadvantages of dynamic routing. Some main advantages and disadvantages of dynamic routing are as follows:

Advantages

1. It is very helpful to all the topologies.
2. Topologies automatically support traffic rerouting.
3. The activities of the router are unaffected by network size.

Disadvantages

1. Dynamic routes depend on the current topologies.
2. It needs extra resources like CPU, memory, and link bandwidth.
3. It may be complex to implement.
4. It is less secure as routing updates are broadcast and multicast.

Main Differences between the Static and Dynamic Routing

Here, you will learn the main differences between Static and Dynamic Routing. Some main differences between Static and Dynamic Routing are as follows:

1. Static routing happens when a router utilizes a manually specified routing entry rather than information from dynamic routing traffic. In contrast, dynamic routing is a method in which a router may transmit data via a different route or to a specific destination based on the current state of the network's communication circuits.
2. Routing tables are manually updated in static routing. In contrast, tables are automatically updated in dynamic routing.
3. Complex algorithms are not used in static routing. In contrast, dynamic routing utilizes a complicated algorithm to determine the shortest path or route.
4. Dynamic routing is less secure due to message broadcast and multicast. In contrast, static routing doesn't require advertisement, which makes it more secure.
5. Static routing requires no additional resources. In contrast, dynamic routing needs resources like memory, bandwidth, etc.
6. Link failure may interrupt the rerouting in static routing. In contrast, link failure doesn't affect rerouting in dynamic routing.
7. The routes in static routing are user-defined. In contrast, the routes are updated as topology changes in dynamic routing.
8. RIP, BGP, EIGRP, and other protocols are used in dynamic routing. In contrast, static routing doesn't need such protocols.
9. The network architecture is minimal in static routing. In contrast, dynamic routing highly depends on network infrastructure.

Head-to-head comparison between Static Routing and Dynamic Routing

Here, you will learn the head-to-head comparisons between Static and Dynamic Routing. The main differences between Static and Dynamic Routing are as follows:

Conclusion

One of the most crucial computer networking operations is routing, in which a data packet is carried from its source to its destination via a route that is optimal for speed and low latency, and the route is chosen with the help of routing techniques. The distinction between static and dynamic routing is in updating table entries. In dynamic routing, protocols are used to automatically update the route information as opposed to static routing, which requires manual updates.