What is network routing?

Network routing is the process of selecting the best path for data to travel from one network node to another. It's fundamental to how data moves across the internet and within private networks. Routing protocols determine how routers share information about network topology, enabling them to choose optimal routes based on factors like distance, network congestion, and cost. Common routing protocols include OSPF, BGP, and RIP. Routing is used in everything from sending emails and browsing websites to enabling cloud computing and managing large enterprise networks.