Protocol Data Unit (PDU): A Simulation

Abstract

The use of routing protocols plays an essential and major role on the performance of a network. These protocols vary in terms of its application, features and configuration and management. Each routing protocol exhibits some characteristics which may be the same or may differ with other protocols.

While there are protocols categorized as distance-vector and link state protocols, this study investigates Routing Information Protocol specifically, version 2 (RIPv2), and Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol.  The purpose of which, is to compare these two protocols on the basis a Protocol Data Unit that is sent from a specific source to a destination. The performance activity of a packet as it moves toward the destination is simulated and as a result will show which packet will arrive first under certain circumstances.

Keywords: Protocol Data Unit (PDU), Routing Information Protocol (RIP), Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP), Variable Length Subnet Mask (VSLM), Classless, Packet