Enabling an IP routing protocol on a router involves the setting of both global and routing parameters. Global tasks include selecting a routing protocol, such as RIP, IGRP, EIGRP or OSPF. The major task in the routing configuration mode is to indicate IP network numbers. Dynamic routing uses broadcasts and multicasts to communicate with other routers. The routing metric helps routers find the best path to each network or subnet.

The router command starts a routing process.

The network command is required because it enables the routing process to determine which interfaces participate in the sending and receiving of routing updates.

An example of a routing configuration is:

GAD(config)#router rip
GAD(config-router)#network 172.16.0.0

The network numbers are based on the network class addresses, not subnet addresses or individual host addresses. Major network addresses are limited to Class A, B, and C network numbers.

Lab Activity e-Lab Activity: Routing Configuration In this lab, the students will configure the routers to start a routing process, then add the networks that will be advertised.