What is the difference between routed and routing protocols?
Before diving in, let us briefly discuss what routing is in computer networking in general. Routing is the process of determining systematically how to forward messages toward the destination node based on its address. Moreover, it is the decision of which path to take in the process of transmitting packets using routing table and neighbor routers. Besides, the routes it takes can be configured statically and/or dynamically. To achieve these transmissions, network systems employ routed and routing protocols.
Routing protocols – These protocol types allow routers to learn and advertise their routes dynamically. They are capable of determining which routes are available. Moreover, they are also able to select the most efficient routes to their destination. Routing protocols in general provide layer 3 network state update. In addition, they populate routing tables on the layer 3 switch/router. Examples: OSPF, IS-IS, EIGRP,
Routed protocols – these protocols simply pass data across the network. Examples: IP. IPX, AppleTalk
Moreover, protocols can be distance vector or Link-state. Distance Vector protocols decide best path on how far it is which is usually hop counts. RIP and IGRP are some examples of distance vector protocols. Whereas link-state protocols which works by broadcasting routing information about its closest neighbors in the network. It decides routing by considering metrics such as bandwidth, delay, reliability, and loads. OSPF, IS-IS and EIGRP are some examples of link-state protocols.