What is the primary purpose of dynamic routing?

Dynamic routing primarily functions to adjust the routing paths dynamically based on current network conditions. This means that when network topology changes occur—such as link failures, congested routes, or other alterations—dynamic routing protocols can automatically discover these changes and adapt the routing tables accordingly. By doing so, they ensure that data packets can find the most efficient path through the network at any given moment.

This adaptability is vital for maintaining optimal network performance and reliability, especially in larger and more complex networks where conditions can frequently change. Unlike static routing, which relies on manually configured paths that do not change unless an administrator intervenes, dynamic routing provides more flexibility and resilience, automatically recalibrating as the network evolves.