3.3.c Compare routing protocol types

3.3.c (i) Distance Vector

Distance vector routing protocols are 1 of 3 types of routing protocols. 3 of these protocols exist, RIPv1, RIPv2, IGRP, EIGRP.
These protocols share very similar traits, they do NOT know the full topology of the network. Instead they only know about the directly connected neighbor. They are given hints by the neighbor as to where other networks are.

3.3.c (ii) Link state

Link-state routing protocols are another of 3 types of protocols.
Two link-state routing protocols exist today, OSPF and IS-IS.
These protocols know the whole topology and thus can calculate the absolute best path.

3.3.c (iii) Path Vector

Path vector routing protocols are the last of the 3 routing protocol types.
Currently only one exists, BGP.
Path vector routing protocols analyse the path and characteristics of the path to determine a loop free and best path.