6.2 Static Routing

What are the advantages and disadvantages of static routing?

Advantages - - Static routes are more secure because they are not shared over the network like dynamic routes. - Static routes require less bandwidth and system resources than dynamic protocols. - The path used to send data across a network is set and does not need to be determined before packets are sent. Disadvantages - - Initial and ongoing configuration requires a lot of time. - Errors can be made in manual configurations. - Routes must be changed manually when there are topology changes.

When would you configure a default static route?

A default route defines where packets will be sent if no specific route for the destination network is listed in the routing table. If no default route is set, the router will discard all packets with destination addresses not found its routing table. Consider the following example: We have a network of three routers.

Floating static route

A floating static route provides a backup option to a primary route in the event of a link failure. This route is used only if the preferred route is unavailable. Floating static routes are backup routes. If one link fails, the floating route is to be used. This is accomplished by setting a higher administrative distance to the backup route. By default, the administrative distance of a static route is 1, but the distance can be increased to ensure that it serves as a backup route.

Next-hop static route

A next-hop static route directs traffic only to the next-hop address.

Stub network

A stub network has a router with only one neighbor and can be reached using only a single route.

Summary static route

A summary static route is used to minimize the number of routing table entries. Multiple static routes can be combined into one static route if the networks are touching or use the same next-hop address.

Default static route

Default static routes are used in two instances: - If there is only one router on your network, you can set up a default static route to direct to the ISP, packets with IP addresses not in the routing table. - Similarly, in a larger network, a default route can be used when the IP address does not match an entry in the routing table. In the event that packets are destined to a destination outside of an organization, the packets are sent through an edge router to the company's internet service provider. Be aware of the following default route details: - Default routes work best when only one path exists to a part of the network. - One default route in the routing table could replace hundreds of static entries in the routing table. - When the default route is not set, the router discards packets that do not match a route in the routing table.

Standard static route

Standard static routes can be used when connecting to a remote network. If data is frequently exchanged between networks, there's no need to use a dynamic routing protocol. Instead, an administrator can configure a direct route between the two networks, saving resources each time data is exchanged.

When would you configure static routes?

Static routes are one way we can communicate to remote networks. In production networks, static routes are mainly configured when routing from a particular network to a stub network. stub networks are networks that can only be accessed through one point or one interface.