When would static routes be preferred over dynamic routing protocols?

Static routes are preferred in small, stable networks with infrequent route changes due to several key factors. First, static routes require less overhead compared to dynamic routing protocols, as they do not need to exchange routing information or maintain routing tables that may fluctuate with changes in the network. This simplicity makes them ideal for smaller networks where the topology and routing paths are unlikely to change frequently.

In such environments, the administrative burden of configuring and maintaining static routes is manageable, and the low latency and deterministic routing paths provided by static routes can enhance network performance. Additionally, since these routes are manually configured, network administrators have complete control over the routing paths, allowing for optimized performance tailored to the specific needs of the network.

In contrast, dynamic routing protocols are more suitable for larger or more complex networks that experience frequent changes, as they automatically adjust to alterations in the network topology. This adaptability is not necessary in a small, stable network, thus solidifying the case for using static routes in such scenarios.