How will a router handle static routing differently if Cisco Express Forwarding is disabled?
If Cisco Express Forwarding (CEF) is disabled on a router, it will impact the way static routing is handled.
CEF is a feature that allows for efficient packet forwarding in Cisco routers, improving network performance.
When CEF is disabled, the router will handle static routing using a different method called process switching.
Process switching involves the router’s main processor (CPU) handling each packet individually. When a packet arrives at the router, the CPU examines the destination IP address and checks the routing table to determine the next hop for the packet. It then encapsulates the packet in a new frame and sends it out through the appropriate interface. This process of examining and forwarding packets is repeated for every packet.
However, process switching is considerably slower compared to CEF. It requires more CPU utilization and has higher latency, as each packet needs to be processed individually. With CEF disabled, the router’s performance might degrade, causing delays and potential congestion, particularly when dealing with high volumes of traffic.
In summary, without CEF, a router will not be able to take advantage of efficient packet forwarding through hardware-based forwarding tables. Instead, each packet would be processed individually by the router’s CPU, leading to slower performance and potentially impacting the overall network throughput. Enabling CEF is recommended to enhance routing efficiency.
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