Administrative distance is a metric used in Cisco’s routing methodology to determine the best routing paths for information. It is just one factor in routing metrics, which include protocols and algorithms. Routers use administrative distance to determine the credibility of a specific route, which is based on its relevance and capability. Other factors, such as bandwidth and delay, are also considered. Cisco’s proprietary routing technology is often studied by network engineers as part of their training program.
The administrative distance is part of a specific routing methodology for routers created by the Cisco company, leader in network electronics. Administrative distance has nothing to do with actual human administration or remote working. It is part of a special metric to provide the best routing paths for information.
The basic idea of routing consists of two parts. Routers and other equipment find the best routes for routing information. Then they use these routes to carry “packets” of information.
Routing metrics include protocols and algorithms for finding the best routing paths. This is where administrative distance comes into play. Administrative distance is just one of several factors used in Cisco routing metrics.
Within the general method of routing, there are different types of routing strategies represented by different protocols. Some of these are “static” or set before transmission. Others that have more flexibility are known as “dynamic.” There are also host intelligent routing protocols where routers are only passive senders and router intelligent protocols where the routers themselves determine the paths for information flow.
When routers use administrative distance, this measure of the relevance and capability of a specific route creates something network engineers call “credibility.” A credible path is more reliable and more likely to be chosen. It will have assigned a low administrative distance value. Administrative distances above a certain threshold will often be ignored by the router.
In addition to reliability, routers and other administrative units look at bandwidth, delay, and other factors to find the best paths for information. A routing algorithm or protocol is a complex metric that provides a kind of “artificial intelligence” that helps human network engineers increase productivity in a network or system. That’s why novice network professionals spend a lot of time perfecting their knowledge of these routing protocols.
It is important to understand that administrative distance and other similar aspects of routing are part of Cisco’s proprietary routing technology. Because Cisco is such a powerful presence in the IT world, network engineers will often study company metrics as part of a general training program. Cisco provides much more information about its proprietary technologies on the company’s website.
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