Discuss the importance of using a routing protocol, and explain its general functionality.

Discuss the importance of using a routing protocol, and explain its general functionality. Router Information Protocol (RIP) is a distance-vector routing protocol, while Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) is a link state routing protocol. Either can be used by a router to send data from one network to another. Compare and contrast distance-vector versus link state routing protocols. Explain how you would enable OSPF.
Assignment Guidelines
Complete the following for this assignment:
Using the course materials, the textbook, and Web resources, research distance-vector routing protocols with a high concentration on the versions of RIP. Use the following questions to help you format your research paper: What is the purpose of a routing protocol and how does it differ from a routed protocol? What is a distance-vector routing protocol? What is a link state routing protocol? What are the advantages and disadvantages of distance-vector protocols? What are the advantages and disadvantages of link state protocols? What is RIP? What is OSPF? What are the two versions of RIP, and what are their specific purposes? When would you employ RIP, and when would you employ OSPF? Describe what is necessary to enable OSPF routing. Compile your responses to the above questions in a Word document of 3-5 pages.
Your submitted assignment must include the following:
A Word document of 3-5 pages, double-spaced, excluding the title page and reference section. All references should be in APA format. You may find that using section headings and bullets make the paper more readable.
Grading
You will be graded on the accuracy of your answers and the thoroughness of your RIP, RIPv1, RIPv2, and distance-vector routing protocol descriptions.
Please submit your assignment.
For assistance with your assignment, please use your text, Web resources, and all course materials.