Routing TCP/IP Practice Test 2026 - Free TCP/IP Questions and Study Guide

The primary purpose of the Routing Information Protocol (RIP) is to enable routers to exchange routing information within a local network. RIP is a distance-vector routing protocol that employs a simple algorithm to calculate the best path for data packets to travel from one network segment to another. It uses hop counts as its routing metric, where the route with the fewest hops is preferred. This allows routers to share their routing tables with neighboring routers, facilitating automatic updates and adjustments based on changes in the network.

This ability to share information and adapt routing decisions based on the topology of the network is central to the operation of RIP. It is particularly effective in smaller networks, where its simplicity and ease of configuration make it a viable option. By focusing on the exchange of routing information, RIP maintains an organized and efficient routing table, which promotes optimal data delivery within a local area or autonomous system.

Other options like optimizing data transmission speed, establishing secure connections, and managing traffic congestion, while important in their own rights, do not encapsulate the specific role of RIP. RIP does not focus on data transmission speed; it is primarily concerned with how routers determine the best paths to forward packets between networks.