What is IP routing? Why is it important to you?
- VPN
Overview
IP routing is what allows devices to communicate with each other on the internet. Have you ever wondered what happens when you type a website address into your browser or open an app on your phone? How does your device connect to other devices on the internet? The answer lies in IP routing.
Contents
IP routing involves three main components: IP addresses, routers, and routing tables
How to Protect Your Network Security?
What is IP routing?
IP routing is the process of moving data packets from one network to another . Data packets are the fundamental units of information transmitted over the internet, containing source addresses, destination addresses, data, and other metadata. The goal of IP routing is to determine the best path to take data packets from their source address to their destination address.
IP routing involves three main components: IP addresses, routers, and routing tables
① IP Addresses
An IP address is a string of numbers used to identify each device on the internet. Each device has a unique IP address, much like each person has a unique ID number. There are two types of IP addresses: IPv4 and IPv6. IPv4 addresses consist of 32-bit binary numbers typically represented in dotted decimal notation, like 192.168.1.1. IPv6 addresses consist of 128-bit binary numbers often represented in hexadecimal format with colons, such as 2001:db8::1.
② Routers
Routers are network devices that connect different networks and forward data packets based on routing tables. Routers can be physical devices or software programs. They determine the best path based on criteria like distance, speed, cost, congestion, and more.
③ Routing Tables
A routing table is a database stored within a router, recording the best paths for various destination addresses. Routing tables can be static (manually configured) or dynamic (automatically updated based on network conditions).
How does IP routing work?
When you want to access a website or use an app, your device sends a DNS request to translate the domain name (e.g., http://www.bing.com ) into an IP address (e.g., 204.79.197.200). Then, your device encapsulates the data into a specific format, adding source and destination addresses.
Next, your device sends the data packet to the default gateway, which is the nearest router in your connected network. This router examines the destination address in the data packet and looks for a matching entry in its routing table. If a match is found, the router forwards the packet to the next router or the destination network. If no match is found, the router forwards the packet to the default route or discards it.
This process repeats at each router along the path until the data packet reaches the destination network or is discarded. Upon arrival at the destination network, the packet is decapsulated and delivered to the appropriate application or service based on the protocol type.
Advantages of IP Routing
① Decentralized and Distributed
IP routing makes the internet decentralized, distributed, scalable, and flexible. It adapts dynamically to network conditions rather than relying on a single network or device.
② Enhanced Performance and Efficiency
IP routing selects the best path based on criteria like distance, speed, cost, congestion, etc., reducing transmission time, latency, and improving reliability.
③ Support for Diversity and Compatibility
IP routing connects various types and scales of networks, such as LANs, WANs, wireless networks, and supports different versions and formats of IP addresses, including IPv4 and IPv6.
Disadvantages of IP Routing
① Increased Complexity
IP routing involves technical details and protocol standards like DNS, TCP/IP, ICMP, ARP, and requires maintenance and updates for routers and routing tables.
② Reduced Security and Privacy
IP routing exposes source and destination addresses in data packets, making them susceptible to interception, tampering, or tracking. IP routing can also face attacks like deception, denial of service, blackholing.
How to Protect Your Network Security?
To safeguard network security, you can use tools or services like VPNs, firewalls, encryption, etc. VPNs, in particular, are a popular and effective choice.
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates a secure tunnel over public networks, connecting your device to a remote server. When using a VPN, your data packets are encrypted and sent through the VPN server to the destination network. This hides your real IP address, prevents interception or tracking of packets, and can bypass geographical or political restrictions.
However, not all VPNs are reliable and efficient. Some may leak your information, slow down your speed, or collect your data. Therefore, you need to choose a suitable and high-quality VPN service provider.
We recommend using MetroVPN to protect your network security. MetroVPN is a professional and advanced VPN service with the following features:
① Global Servers
With 6500+ servers covering multiple countries and regions, MetroVPN lets you access websites or apps anytime, anywhere, regardless of blocks or restrictions.
② Strict No-Logs Policy
MetroVPN strictly follows a no-logs policy, ensuring your online activities are not tracked or stored, preserving data confidentiality.
③ Multi-Platform
MetroVPN supports various platforms and devices, including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS. You can use MetroVPN on up to 5 devices simultaneously, enjoying an unrestricted online experience.
④ 24/7 Customer Support
MetroVPN offers a friendly and professional customer support team available through live chat, email, or phone, providing timely and effective assistance.
