In the context of routing protocols, what is a 'Metric'?

A 'Metric' in the context of routing protocols is indeed a value used to determine the preferred route for data packets traversing a network. Routing protocols utilize metrics to compare different paths to a destination and make decisions on which path to use based on criteria such as the number of hops, bandwidth, delay, load, or other relevant factors.

For instance, in distance-vector routing protocols, the metric may represent the number of hops to a destination, while in link-state protocols, metrics could be more complex, taking into account bandwidth and latency. This allows routers to make intelligent routing decisions, optimizing the performance of the network by selecting the most efficient path available based on the defined metrics.

In summary, the concept of a metric is crucial for routing efficiency and is fundamental to how routing protocols operate within a network, directly influencing data transmission and overall performance.