What will happen if we have a routing table with the same route to the same destination network?

If a routing table contains multiple routes to the same destination network, the route that will be selected for use is typically the one with the fewest number of hops. This approach is rooted in the principle of efficiency, as the primary goal of routing is to ensure data packets reach their destination in the quickest and most efficient manner.

When the routing decisions are made, routers evaluate the available paths based on metrics that can include hop count, bandwidth, and delay. Among these, hop count is a crucial factor because it directly correlates to the number of intermediate devices the packet must traverse before reaching its destination. By choosing the route with the fewest hops, a router can minimize the time and resources needed for the packet to be delivered, enhancing overall network performance.

In contrast, if either the first route added or a situation where both routes were used equally were the determining factor, the potential for less efficient data transmission would increase. The network could suffer from latency or congestion if routes that are not optimal were taken. Therefore, prioritizing the route with the fewest hops is foundational to effective routing protocols, ensuring that data packets traverse the most efficient path available.