Which protocol utilizes hop count as a routing metric?

The Routing Information Protocol (RIP) utilizes hop count as its primary routing metric. In RIP, the hop count represents the number of routers a packet must pass through to reach the destination. The maximum number of hops allowed in RIP is 15, which limits RIP networks to a maximum of 16 hops. This simplicity makes RIP suitable for small, less complex networks but less efficient for larger networks as it does not consider other factors such as bandwidth or latency.

Other protocols mentioned have different metrics: Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) uses link state, taking into account various factors to determine the best path. Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP) employs a composite metric based on bandwidth, delay, load, and reliability, making it more versatile. Meanwhile, Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) often relies on path attributes and policies rather than simple hop counts. Understanding these fundamental differences in metrics helps network engineers select the appropriate routing protocol based on their specific network requirements and scale.