RIP (Routing Information Protocol) is the dynamic routing protocol every textbook teaches first because it is the simplest. Distance-vector, hop count metric, max 15 hops, periodic full updates every 30 seconds. RIPv2 added classless support and authentication. Nobody designs new networks with RIP in 2026, but the CCNA exam still includes it because the concepts (route advertisement, hop count, AD 120) transfer to every other dynamic protocol. This lab configures RIPv2 on R1, R2, R3 of the base topology and watches it converge.
What you will learn
- The
router ripconfiguration syntax and theversion 2+no auto-summaryhardening - Network statements - what they actually do (vs what they appear to do)
- The RIP database vs the routing table
- How RIP routes show up:
R [120/hops] - Why
passive-interfaceon loopbacks is best practice
What this lab does NOT cover
- RIPng (RIP for IPv6) - same concepts, different protocol
- RIP authentication
- Distribute lists and route filtering
Topology
Download the CCNA Base Topology .yaml
The PingLabz CCNA Base Topology - 3 iol-xe routers + 1 alpine + 1 ioll2-xe switch.
