GUIDE TO STATIC VS.
DYNAMIC ROUTING
Prepared by: Noriel L. Gawal
This guide will help you understand the difference between Static and Dynamic Routing. It is written in
simple words so you can study it easily.
Lesson Objectives
• Understand the difference between static and dynamic routing.
• Know the advantages and disadvantages of each method.
• See where each method is best applied.
Static Routing
Static routing means routes are added manually by the network administrator. They do not change
unless the administrator updates them. This method works best in small and simple networks.
Pros of Static Routing:
• Easy to set up for small networks.
• Uses less router resources (CPU and memory).
• More secure since routes don’t change automatically.
Cons of Static Routing:
• Not good for big networks.
• Hard to manage if there are many routers.
• If a link goes down, routes don’t change automatically.
Dynamic Routing
Dynamic routing means routers share information with each other automatically. They update their
routes when changes happen in the network. This method is better for large and complex networks.
Pros of Dynamic Routing:
• Automatically updates routes when the network changes.
• Scales well for big networks.
• Less manual work for the administrator.
Cons of Dynamic Routing:
• More complex to understand and configure.
• Uses more router resources (CPU and memory).
• May be less secure without proper configuration.
Examples of Use
• Static Routing: A small office with only 2 routers.
• Dynamic Routing: A large university campus with many routers.
Analogy
• Static Routing is like printed directions on paper.
• Dynamic Routing is like Google Maps that recalculates routes in real time.
In summary, use Static Routing for small and simple networks, and Dynamic Routing for bigger
networks where routes need to update automatically. Both are important to learn for understanding how
networks work.