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An adaptive route refers to an optimal and efficient routing path that is selected when routing priorities change or failures occur with routing devices, nodes or other network components. An adaptive route ensures continuous network connectivity and operations.
Techopedia Explains Adaptive Route
Several protocols are available to facilitate routing via adaptive routes. Some of them are:
- Routing Information Protocol (RIP)
- Open Shortest Path First (OSPF)
- Intermediate System To Intermediate System (IS-IS)
- Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (IGRP)/ Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP)
Static networks do not implement adaptive routes, opting instead for static or fixed routes. So, if one of the routes is failed, the packet transfer will either fail or the packet has to wait until the route failure is rectified. This proves that the effective implementation of adaptive routes is vital in routing.
An adaptive route is selected based on routing criteria, algorithms and priorities assigned to different network devices.
For example, as an analogy, an individual needs to travel to another city for a meeting, but the normal bus route is stalled because a road is under construction. So, he must select an alternate travel method, like a train. This changed route is similar to an adaptive route selected as an alternate pathway for network data.
