!!! Overview [{$pagename}] the process of selecting a path for traffic in a [network], or between or across multiple [networks]. [{$pagename}] assumes that [network] addresses are structured and that similar addresses imply proximity within the [network]. [{$pagename}] is performed at the [Network Layer] where [Bridging] is performed at the Data-link Layer [{$pagename}] creates an [interconnection] between [networks]. [{$pagename}] may refer to the physical linking of a [Internet Service Provider]'s network with equipment or facilities not belonging to that [network]. [{$pagename}] is performed for many types of networks, including circuit-switched networks, such as the [Public Switched Telephone Network] ([PSTN]), and computer [networks], such as the [Internet]. In [packet] switching [networks], [{$pagename}] is the higher-level decision making that directs [network] [Packets] from their source toward their destination through intermediate [network] [nodes] by specific [packet] forwarding mechanisms. [Packet] forwarding is the transit of logically addressed network packets from one [network] interface to another. Intermediate [nodes] are typically [network devices] such as [routers], [Bridge], [gateways], [firewalls], or [Network Switches]. General-purpose computers also forward [packets] and perform [{$pagename}], although they have no specially optimized hardware for the task. The [{$pagename}] process usually directs forwarding on the basis of routing tables, which maintain a record of the routes to various [network] destinations. Thus, constructing routing tables, which are held in the router's memory, is very important for efficient routing. Most routing algorithms use only one network path at a time. Multipath routing techniques enable the use of multiple alternative paths.Routing schemes differ in how they deliver messages: * [unicast] delivers a [message] to a __single__ specific [node] * [broadcast] delivers a [message] to __all__ [nodes] in the [network] * [multicast] delivers a [message] to a [group] of [nodes] that have expressed interest in receiving the [message] * [anycast] delivers a [message] to any one out of a [group] of [nodes], typically the one nearest to the source * [geocast] delivers a [message] to a [Geolocation] area!! More Information There might be more information for this subject on one of the following: [{ReferringPagesPlugin before='*' after='\n' }] ---- * [#1] - [Routing|Wikipedia:Routing|target='_blank'] - based on information obtained 2017-07-21