RIP
The Routing Information Protocol (RIP) is an interior gateway routing protocol (IGP) and uses a Distance Vector Algorithm. It is the oldest and most frequently used of the LAN routing protocols. RIP routers broadcast or multicast to each other on a regular basis and in response to REQUEST packets. RIP routers optionally incorporate routing information received from their neighbors into their own routing table and forward it on to other neighbors.
Note: For information on RIPng (RIP-Next Generation), based on IPv6, see RIPng
As implemented by the Protocol Server, each Ixia port is capable of simulating one or more routers with separate addresses. Routing tables for the simulated routers are configured by you and sent out at regular intervals, with a configurable randomizing factor. Either Version 1 or Version 2 packet formats may be sent through multicast or broadcast (for compatibility with Version 1 routers). Received packets may be filtered for Version 1 or Version 2 compatibility.
The current implementation of the Protocol Server uses Split Horizon with Space Saver as its update mode, which receives, but not process, RIP broadcasts heard from DUT routers. That is, it does not incorporate received information into its own table, but rather always broadcast the same routing table. Future versions will offer Split Horizon, Split Horizon with Poison Reverse, and Silent modes of update.
The Protocol Server, however, responds to REQUEST packets that it receives. Two types of requests are processed:
- Request for all routes: The Protocol Server sends the same routing table that it sends at regular intervals back to the requester.
- Request for specific routes: The Protocol Server fills in the requested information in the received packet and send it back to the requester.