What are the key features of EIGRP that differentiate it from other routing protocols?

Key Features of EIGRP That Differentiate it from Other Routing Protocols

Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP) offers several unique features that set it apart from other routing protocols:

1. Advanced DUAL Algorithm: EIGRP utilizes the Diffusing Update Algorithm (DUAL) for more efficient route calculations, resulting in faster convergence and reduced network overhead.
2. Partial Updates: EIGRP sends only partial updates when a change occurs, minimizing bandwidth usage compared to protocols that send full routing tables each time.
3. Efficient Metric Calculation: EIGRP uses a composite metric that includes bandwidth, delay, reliability, load, and MTU, allowing for more granular path selection based on network conditions.
4. Route Summarization: EIGRP supports route summarization, reducing the number of routing entries and optimizing routing table sizes in larger networks.
5. Query Process: EIGRP employs a query process to handle route updates and query neighboring routers for missing routing information, ensuring reliable and accurate routing tables.

These key features make EIGRP a preferred choice in many enterprise networks due to its scalability, efficiency, and fast convergence capabilities.