How do Distance Vector Algorithms (DVA) operate?

Distance Vector Algorithms (DVA) operate by allowing routers to share information about their routing tables with directly connected neighbor routers. Each router maintains a table that lists the distance to various destination networks. The "distance" typically reflects the cost to reach a particular destination and may incorporate metrics like hop count. When a router implements a distance vector algorithm, it periodically sends out its routing table to its neighbors, who then use that information to update their own tables and potentially forward their own tables back to their neighbors, propagating routing information throughout the network.

This approach contrasts with link-state algorithms, which use a different method involving sharing the complete state of connections in the network rather than just distances. Distance vector algorithms do not maintain a full view of the entire network topology. Instead, they rely on the information received from neighbors to make decisions about routing. Additionally, they do not require frequent manual configuration, as the protocol is designed to automatically manage routing updates based on the advertised distances from neighbors.