What is the primary difference between forwarding and routing in the network layer?

Homework Help: Questions and Answers: What is the primary difference between forwarding and routing in the network layer?

A. Forwarding is implemented in hardware, while routing is implemented in software.
B. Forwarding deals with routing protocols, while routing deals with data-plane operations.
C. Forwarding and routing are identical functions.
D. Forwarding determines the path for packets, while routing transfers packets from input to output links.

Answer:

First, let’s understand what Forwarding and Routing is:

Forwarding: This is the process of sending a packet from the input link to the appropriate output link. It is a data-plane operation, often implemented in hardware for speed and efficiency.

Routing: This is the process of determining the path or route that data packets will take from the source to the destination. It involves routing algorithms and protocols to build and update routing tables. Routing is a control-plane operation, typically implemented in software because it is more complex and not performed as frequently as forwarding.

Given Options: Step by Step Answering

a) Forwarding is implemented in hardware, while routing is implemented in software.

• Forwarding is typically done in hardware (like switches and routers’ ASICs) to ensure high-speed packet processing, while routing is done in software as it involves more complex decision-making.

b) Forwarding deals with routing protocols, while routing deals with data-plane operations.

• This reverses the roles; routing deals with routing protocols, while forwarding deals with data-plane operations.

c) Forwarding and routing are identical functions.

• Forwarding and routing are related but distinct processes. Forwarding is the action of transferring packets, while routing is the decision-making process for finding paths.

d) Forwarding determines the path for packets, while routing transfers packets from input to output links.

• This reverses the definitions; routing determines the path for packets (deciding where to send them), while forwarding is the action of moving the packets from input to output links.

Final Answer:

Based on the above analysis, the correct answer is: 

a) Forwarding is implemented in hardware, while routing is implemented in software.

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