The routing algorithm is fundamental to
dynamic routing. Whenever the topology of the network changes because
of growth, reconfiguration, or failure, the network knowledgebase must
also change.
The knowledgebase needs to reflect an
accurate and consistent view of the new topology. Convergence occurs when
all routers in an internet are operating with the same knowledge (i.e.
all routers have the same information on all the paths in the
network).
Fast convergence is a desirable network
feature because it reduces the period of time that routers have
outdated knowledge causing routing decisions that could be
incorrect, wasteful, or both.
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