RFIGRP vs EIGRP: Key Differences in Routing Protocols
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This article highlights the key differences between IGRP (Interior Gateway Routing Protocol) and EIGRP (Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol), two important routing protocols.
IGRP vs EIGRP
| Feature | IGRP | EIGRP |
|---|---|---|
| Full Form | Interior Gateway Routing Protocol | Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol |
| Protocol Type | Distance Vector Protocol | Advanced Distance Vector (Hybrid) |
| Derivation | - | Derived from Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (IGRP) |
| Metrics | Bandwidth, Load, Delay, MTU, and Reliability | Bandwidth, Delay, Load, and Reliability |
| Path Calculation | Distance vector algorithm with variance for load balancing | Diffusing Update Algorithm (DUAL) |
| Area/Table Support | No area support, supports multi-part routing | Supports neighbor tables, topology tables, and routing tables |
| Maximum Hop Count | 255 (Default: 100) | 255 |
Key Differences Explained
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Full Form: IGRP stands for Interior Gateway Routing Protocol, while EIGRP stands for Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol. The “Enhanced” in EIGRP signifies improvements over its predecessor.
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Protocol Type: IGRP is a traditional distance vector routing protocol. EIGRP, while based on distance vector principles, is considered an advanced distance vector or hybrid protocol because it incorporates features from link-state protocols.
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Metrics: Both protocols use metrics to determine the best path, but IGRP considers MTU (Maximum Transmission Unit) in addition to bandwidth, load, delay, and reliability. EIGRP excludes MTU from its metric calculation.
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Path Calculation: IGRP relies on the classic distance vector algorithm. EIGRP uses the Diffusing Update Algorithm (DUAL), which allows for faster convergence and loop prevention.
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Area Support and Tables: IGRP does not support areas or tables, using multi-part routing instead. EIGRP utilizes neighbor tables, topology tables, and routing tables for a more structured approach to routing.
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Hop Count: Both protocols have a maximum hop count of 255, providing a limit to the number of routers a packet can traverse. The default hop count for IGRP is 100.
