What is the maximum number of hops allowed in RIPv2?

RIP version 2 (RIPv2) is a distance-vector routing protocol that uses hop count as its metric for path selection. The maximum number of hops that RIPv2 allows is 15. This limitation is significant because any destination that is further than 15 hops away is considered unreachable, effectively marking it as an infinite distance.

This characteristic helps to prevent routing loops and ensures the stability of the network by limiting the complexity of the routes in the routing table. As a routing protocol used primarily in smaller, simpler networks, RIPv2’s design feature of a maximum of 15 hops means that it is most effective where the network topology is less complex and doesn’t require the scalability offered by other protocols.

The options that suggest a lower or higher number of hops do not reflect the specifications of RIPv2. The value of 10, 20, or 25 hops does not align with the established maximum limit of 15, which is crucial for understanding the capabilities and restrictions of this routing protocol. Thus, recognizing that the maximum number of hops allowed in RIPv2 is indeed 15 is essential for effective network routing practices.