What is the key difference between static and dynamic routing?

The key difference between static and dynamic routing lies in the configuration and maintenance of the routing tables. Static routing involves routes that are manually configured by a network administrator. This means that the routes are fixed and do not change unless the administrator makes modifications to them. Static routing is often used in smaller networks or in situations where the network topology is stable and does not change frequently.

On the other hand, dynamic routing utilizes protocols that automatically adjust and update the routing tables based on network conditions. This means that dynamic routing can adapt to changes in the network, such as hardware failures or changes in the network layout, without requiring manual intervention.

This adaptability of dynamic routing makes it suited for larger, more complex networks where manual configuration of each route would be impractical and time-consuming. The correct understanding of static routing being manually configured emphasizes the administrative control and stability it provides, making it a clear differentiator from the automated nature of dynamic routing.