The Importance of Routing
Routing is the process of selecting a path or a route for data traffic to travel from its source to its destination across a network. Regardless of the network type, data is always sent in packets transmitted from one Layer 3 device to another until they reach their destination.
Note: This functionality is usually performed on routers, although other devices, such as firewalls and layer 3 devices, can provide the same functionality.
Routing can occur at various levels in a network, from local routing within a LAN to global routing (WAN) across the internet. However, the goal is always the same: to deliver data packets to their intended destination in the most efficient way possible while avoiding network congestion and minimizing delays. Effective routing is key for maintaining network performance and ensuring a network's overall reliability and security.