What is a Routing Table?

  • Accessibility
  • Sales:

    Home:

    1-800-426-7235

    Business:

    1-866-426-0911

    Chat Now >

    Visit Sales Support Page >


    Order Support:

    Order Lookup >

    Visit Order Support Page >

    Technical Support >

Lenovo
All
  • All
  • Laptops
  • Desktops
  • Workstations
  • Monitors
  • PC Accessories & Electronics
  • Tablets
  • Servers & Storage
  • Servers Accessories
  • Sign In / Create Account
    My Lenovo Account
    Keep track of your wishlist, orders, and rewards all in one place
    Sign In / Create Account
    Welcome Back!
    Access your order, subscriptions, saved carts, rewards balance, and profile
    View My Account
    Orders
    View & track your orders
    Rewards
    Earn & redeem Rewards
    Profile
    Edit name, password, and account settings
    Wishlist
    Manage a wishlist of your favorite products
    Products
    Manage your devices, accessories
    Product Registration
    Register your product and/or update your warranty dates
    Sign Out
  • My Lenovo Rewards
  • Cart
  • Products
  • Solutions
  • Services
  • Support
  • About Lenovo
  • Deals
  • Student
  • Gaming
  • Laptops
  • Desktops
  • Workstations
  • Accessories
  • Software
  • Monitors
  • Tablets
  • Servers & Storage
  • Home & Office
  • AI
  • Deals
TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE
DISCONTINUED
Temporary Unavailable
Cooming Soon!
. Additional units will be charged at the non-eCoupon price. Purchase additional now
We're sorry, the maximum quantity you are able to buy at this amazing eCoupon price is
Sign in or Create an Account to Save Your Cart!
Sign in or Create an Account to Join Rewards
View Cart
Remove
Your cart is empty! Don’t miss out on the latest products and savings — find your next favorite laptop, PC, or accessory today.
item(s) in cart
Some items in your cart are no longer available. Please visit cart for more details.
has been deleted
Please review your cart as items have changed.
of
Contains Add-ons
Subtotal
Proceed to Checkout
Yes
No
Popular Searches
What are you looking for today ?
Trending
Recent Searches
Items
All
Cancel
Top Suggestions
View All >
Starting at
  • Black Friday in July! Limited-time Doorbusters + Buy more, Save more!  Shop Now >

  • My Lenovo Rewards! Earn 3%-9% in rewards and get free expedited delivery on select products. Join for Free >

  • Buy online, pick up select products at Best Buy. Shop Pick Up >

  • Lease-to-own today with Katapult. Get started with an initial lease payment as low as $1! * Learn More >

Home > Glossary > What is a Routing Table?
Glossary Hero
Learn More
StarStar

Annual Sale

Lenovo Laptop SaleLenovo Laptop Sale

Laptop Deals

Desktop DealsDesktop Deals

Desktop Deals

Workstation DealsWorkstation Deals

Workstation Deals

StoreStore

Pick Up Today at Best Buy

ControllerController

Gaming PC & Accessory Deals

MouseMouse

PC Accessories & Electronics Deals

MonitorMonitor

Monitor Deals

Tablet and phoneTablet and phone

Tablets & Phones Deals

ServerServer

Server & Storage Deals

Discount tagDiscount tag

Clearance Sale


What is a Routing Table?

A routing table is a set of rules that helps network devices decide the best path for data packets as they move from their source to a destination. Think of it as a map for the network. Whenever you send data across a network, the routing table assists in determining the most efficient path. Each entry in the routing table contains the destination network, the next hop, and other parameters that help in routing decisions.

What’s the role of the routing table in a router?

In a router, the routing table serves as the brain behind directing traffic. It tells the router where to send data packets based on the destination internet protocol (IP) address. Each time a data packet comes in, the router checks the routing table to figure out where to send it next. This way, you're able to browse websites and use online services without any hitches.

Can I view my computer's routing table?

Yes, you can view your computer's routing table. If you're using Windows, you can open Command Prompt and type route print to display the table. For Linux® and Unix systems, you can use the netstat -r or route commands in the terminal. It's a useful way to understand how your computer makes routing decisions.

When does a routing table entry expire?

In dynamic routing, entries in the routing table can expire. The router periodically receives updates from neighboring routers, and if an entry is not refreshed in time, it's considered stale and removed from the table. This helps to keep your network routing efficient and up to date.

What happens if the routing table is full?

If a routing table becomes full, the router may start dropping new routing updates or experience performance issues. This situation is rare but could happen in networks that have overly complex configurations or insufficient resources. You might need to troubleshoot or possibly upgrade the router to solve this issue.

Does the size of the routing table affect performance?

The size of a routing table does affect a router's performance, but modern routers are generally well-equipped to handle large tables. However, if a routing table grows too large for a router's resources, you may start experiencing slower routing decisions and network latency.

Could I manually modify my computer’s routing table?

Yes, you can manually modify your computer's routing table, but be cautious. Incorrect changes can disrupt network connectivity. On Windows, you can use the route add and route delete commands. On Linux® and Unix, you would use the route or ip commands. Make sure you understand routing concepts before attempting changes.

What kind of information is stored in a routing table?

A routing table typically stores the destination network, the 'next hop' address, and other metrics like hop count or link cost. Some tables also include a subnet mask and an interface identifier. This information helps the router decide the most efficient path for each packet.

Would a routing table help with load balancing?

Yes, a routing table can assist with load balancing. Some advanced routing algorithms use multiple paths to the same destination, distributing the data load among them. This ensures that no single path becomes a bottleneck, enhancing overall network performance.

Does a default route exist in a routing table?

Yes, a default route is usually present in a routing table. It's the route that data packets take when no specific route to the destination exists in the table. Think of it as the "catch-all" or "last resort" route for your network data.

How is routing table different from forwarding table?

Though they serve similar purposes, a routing table is used to make routing decisions and build a forwarding table. The forwarding table is then used for the actual packet forwarding. A forwarding table is optimized for quick lookups, helping your data get where it's going more quickly.

What are the common routing table protocols?

Common routing protocols include routing information protocol (RIP), open shortest path first (OSPF), and border gateway protocol (BGP). Each has its own way of updating the routing table, ensuring data packets follow the most efficient path across the network.

Can a routing table entry have multiple next hops?

Yes, a routing table entry can have multiple next hops, especially when equal-cost multi-path routing (ECMP) is enabled. This allows data packets to be distributed across multiple paths, improving network efficiency and redundancy.

What happens when there are conflicting entries in a routing table?

When there are conflicting entries, the router usually chooses the one with the lowest 'administrative distance,' a value that represents the trustworthiness of the route source. This ensures that the most reliable route is used for your data.

What factors influence routing table decisions?

Several factors can influence routing table decisions, including the destination address, metrics like hop count or bandwidth, and administrative distance. The router combines these elements to select the most efficient route for your data.

Could I use multiple routing tables on a single device?

Yes, modern operating systems and routers allow you to use multiple routing tables, sometimes known as policy-based routing. This feature helps in handling complex network scenarios, ensuring that different types of traffic follow the most appropriate paths.

What happens when a route is not found in the routing table?

When a route isn't found in the routing table, the data packet is usually directed to the default route if one exists. If there's no default route, the packet is dropped, and an ICMP "Destination Unreachable" message might be sent back to the source.

Is a routing table involved in a virtual private network (VPN) connection?

Yes, a routing table plays a role in VPN connections. When you connect to a VPN, routes are often added to your computer's routing table to direct traffic through the VPN tunnel. This is how your device knows to send certain traffic over the VPN while allowing other traffic to use your regular connection.

Would a firewall affect a routing table?

A firewall doesn't directly alter a routing table, but it can influence traffic flow. For instance, even if a route exists in the table, a firewall might block packets from following that path based on its security policies. So, while the two are separate, they work together to manage network traffic.

Looking for a Great Deal?
Shop Lenovo.com for great deals on A+ Education PCs, Accessories, Bundles and more.
Shop Deals Now

  • Shop
    • Student Deals
    • K-12 Student Laptops
    • Student Accessories
    • Laptops by Major
    Education resource
    Explore
    • What is STEM?
    • Best Laptops for College
    • Student & Teacher Discounts
    • Lenovo Sustainability Programs
    Education carry case

    Stem Articles
    See All STEM Articles
    • Online STEM Education

    • STEM Career Tips & Resources

    • Women in STEM

    • STEM Educator Training

    • STEM Grants & Funding

    • STEM Education: Coding for Kids

    • STEM Education: Robotics

    • STEM Education: Biotechnology

    • STEM Education: Sustainability

    • STEM Education: AI & ML

    While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, this glossary is provided for reference purposes only and may contain errors or inaccuracies. It serves as a general resource for understanding commonly used terms and concepts. For precise information or assistance regarding our products, we recommend visiting our dedicated support site, where our team is readily available to address any questions or concerns you may have.

    Why Lenovo?

    Go Greener with Leno...

    Lenovo is committed to Smarter Climate Action with lower energy laptops, use of sustainable materials and packaging, and available CO2 Offset Services.
    Learn More
    pastel background

    Get It Now, Pay For ...

    Lenovo has multiple financing option: the Lenovo Credit Card, installment plans, and lease-to-own financing op...
    Learn More
    pastel background

    Productivity & Peace of Mind

    Stay productive with Premium Care Plus - 24/7 priority support and coverage against accidental damage. Power through your day with our Smart Performance and extended battery solutions.
    Learn More
    pastel background

    Fast & Secure

    Get the most from your laptop with Lenovo’s state-of-the-art Smart Performance, delivering powerful, all-in-on...
    Learn More
    pastel background

    Assistance and Suppo...

    Chat with a trained professional who can help you find the right products, place or check on an order, or setup your Education laptop.
    Contact Us
    pastel background
    Enter email to receive Lenovo marketing and promotional emails. Review our Privacy Statement for more details.
    Please enter the correct email address!
    Email address is required
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Youtube
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • Instagram
    Select Country / Region:
    Country
    AndroidIOS

    About Lenovo

    • Our Company
    • News
    • Investors Relations
    • Compliance
    • ESG
    • Product Recycling
    • Product Security
    • Product Recalls
    • Executive Briefing Center
    • Lenovo Cares
    • Careers
    • Formula 1 Partnership

    Products & Services

    • Laptops & Ultrabooks
    • Smarter AI for You
    • Desktop Computers
    • Workstations
    • Gaming
    • Tablets
    • Servers, Storage, & Networking
    • Accessories & Software
    • Services & Warranty
    • Product FAQs
    • Outlet
    • Deals
    • Lenovo Coupons
    • Cloud Security Software
    • Windows 11 Upgrade

    Resources

    • Legion Gaming Community
    • Lenovo EDU Community
    • Lenovo Pro Community
    • Lenovo Pro for Business
    • My Lenovo Rewards
    • Lenovo Financing
    • Lenovo Trade-in
    • Affiliate Program
    • Affinity Program
    • Employee Purchase Program
    • Lenovo Partner Hub
    • Laptop Buying Guide
    • Where to Buy
    • Glossary

    Customer Support

    • Contact Us
    • Policy FAQs
    • Return Policy
    • Shipping Information
    • Order Lookup
    • Register a Product
    • Replacement Parts
    • Technical Support
    • Forums
    • Provide Feedback
    © 2025 Lenovo. All rights reserved.
    PrivacyCookie Consent ToolSite MapTerms of UseExternal Submission PolicySales terms and conditionsAnti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement
    Compare  ()
    x
    Call

    Need Help? Call: 

    1-800-426-7235
    Select Your Store
    Add items to your cart?
    We've noticed that you've entered a different store. Do you want to add these items to your cart in the new store?
    No Yes. Add in Lenovo Pro

    close_icon

    Sign up and receive up to $100
    off your next purchase.
    Click here for offer details
    Are you shopping for a business?

    No, Thanks

    Click here for offer details
    *Offer valid for new subscribers only. Not valid on previous purchases.
    Lenovo Privacy Policy
    Thanks for signing up!
    You should receive an email from us within the next 2 hours
    *Offer valid for new subscribers only. Not valid on previous purchases.
    Lenovo Privacy Policy
    An error occurred while submitting your request.
    Please try again later.