Software → Computer Networks
Routing
The process of selecting paths for packets to travel across networks.
Motivation
Routing solves the problem of deciding where network traffic should go next.
Where it fits
Routing belongs to computer networks and sits between addressing concepts like IP and infrastructure concepts like routers and subnets.
Mental model
A router is like a road sign at an intersection: it does not know the whole journey in detail, but it knows the best next hop.
Common mistakes
- Confusing routing with switching.
- Assuming there is only one fixed route across the internet.
Related concepts
Routing connects to IP, router, subnet, packet, and BGP-like internet routing concepts.