Routing Information Protocol (RIP)

Updated on January 30, 2026

Welcome to the Networking Fundamentals series by CoreNetworkZ EdTech Solutions, a trusted Mock Test and Competitive exam coaching platform. This module is for candidates preparing for the Kerala PSC Degree Level Exam, SSC Scientific Assistant (Computer Science), and ISRO Technical Assistant posts.

The Routing Information Protocol (RIP) is a dynamic routing protocol that helps to find the shortest path between two hops. This tutorial checks the working of the RIP protocol, its importance, and its different versions.


RIP is an interior gateway protocol (IGP) using the distance-vector routing algorithm.



The Importance of Routing Information Protocol

It creates a routing table that helps routers to find the network layout. Dynamic Routing table helps to understand the changes in network connections.

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Working of Routing Information Protocol

John Bailey asked me in the comment section to explain the workings of this protocol.

RIP is a distance-vector routing protocol. It uses hop count as the routing metric.


15 is the maximum number of hops allowed in RIP.


RIP sends routing-update messages at regular intervals and and updates the routing table when the network topology changes. The average RIP update time is 30 seconds, while the hold-down time is 180 seconds.




In Which OSI Layer RIP Works?

Sharanya Mohan, a reader of our blog, CoreNetworkZ, asked this question. It is an important question.

One of the interviewer's favorite questions for a network engineer recruitment is which OSI layer RIP works. RIP is based on UDP and working in the Transport layer.


Routing by RIP is also called routing by rumor.


We have covered the importance and the working of the RIP. Let us check how the Routing Information Protocol maintains stability.



RIP Stability Features

I read one question from Arun Kumar in the blog comment section. He wanted to know how RIP keeps its stability. RIP implements the following mechanisms to maintain stability. They are:


  1. Split horizon

  2. Route poisoning

  3. Hold down mechanisms



What Are the Different Versions of Routing Information Protocol?

One of the repeated CCNA questions is about the different types of RIP. I do not wonder why I keep getting this question. Robin Matthews asked this question in the comments. There are three versions of Routing Information Protocol. They are:


  1. RIP version

  2. RIP version 2

  3. RIPng


RIP version 1 is the basic RIP which doesn't support VLSM. This drawback is fixed on the RIP version 2 where it supports Variable Length Subnet Mask (VLSM).


RIPv1 is a Classful Routing Protocol.


RIP version 2 uses multicast where RIP version 1 uses broadcast to send routing updates.


RIPv2 is a Classless Routing Protocol.


RIP version 2 multicasts routing updates to the address 224.0.0.9. RIPng is specially defined for IP version 6.

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How does This Study Material help PSC, SSC, and DSSSB Aspirants?

SSC, DSSSB, and Kerala PSC conduct examinations for various IT posts. Understanding Routing Information Protocol is essential for candidates appearing for the Kerala PSC Degree Level Exam, SSC Scientific Assistant (CS), and VSSC System Analyst posts. These networking fundamentals are core parts of the Computer Science syllabus.

Kerala PSC Degree Level examinations have a Computer Science section where students can expect questions that require them to explain the Routing Information Protocol. You can check the Kerala PSC Degree Level Common Prelims Syllabus under the Computer Science section. I recommend you download the syllabus using this official link.

Reference: https://www.keralapsc.gov.in/sites/default/files/2021-02/syllubus.pdf

Reference

Today, I have covered the basics of Routing Information Protocol. If anyone is looking for a detailed tutorial, I suggest these references.

  1. https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/switches/lan/catalyst2960xr/software/15_2_7_e/configuration_guide/b_1527e_consolidated_2960xr_cg/routing_information_protocol.pdf
  2. https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/zos/3.1.0?topic=omproute-routing-information-protocol

Author: Alex George

Author

Alex George is the Chief Editor and founder of CoreNetworkZ EdTech Solutions. He is a software engineer and has 20 years of experience in the EdTech niche.

He graduated with a B.Tech in Computer Science & Engineering from CUSAT and worked with three leading IT companies before starting CoreNetworkZ EdTech Solutions.

He possesses sound knowledge of SOHO Network Engineering and has completed various IT certifications, including CCNA, RHCE, and CEH.

He developed and published more than twenty professional custom themes for Blogger and is an expert in software app development.

You can contact him at alex.george@corenetworkz.com.

10 comments:

  1. Anonymous5:54 AM

    Route poisoning is another kind of RIP stabilizing.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sharanya Mohan6:48 AM

    Hello Alex,

    In which OSI layer does the Routing Information Protocol work?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Sharanya,

      Welcome to CoreNetworkZ. RIP works in the Transport Layer.

      Delete
  3. Robin Matthews6:52 AM

    Can you explain the different versions of the Routing Information Protocol?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Robin,

      Currently, it has three versions. I have explained them in the article.

      Delete
  4. Arun Kumar6:55 AM

    How does this protocol maintain the stability?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Arun Kumar,

      I explained the three different mechanisms RIP uses to maintain stability.

      Delete
  5. John Bailey6:59 AM

    Can you explain the workings of RIP in simple sentences?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi John,

      I have added it to the article.

      Delete

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