Which routing protocol is used to connect networks within an autonomous system?

The correct choice, which is Interior Gateway Protocol (IGP), refers to a category of routing protocols used for exchanging routing information within a single autonomous system. An autonomous system is a collection of IP networks and routers under the control of one organization that presents a common routing policy to the internet.

IGPs are optimized for effectively managing data packets within this confined environment, enabling routers to dynamically share information about the network topology. This includes protocols like Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) and Routing Information Protocol (RIP), which both fall under the IGP category. By utilizing IGP, routers can quickly learn the best paths for routing traffic, ensuring efficient communication and data transmission within the boundaries of the autonomous system.

In contrast, the other options relate to different types of routing protocols or scenarios. Exterior Gateway Protocol (EGP) is an outdated protocol that was primarily used for routing between autonomous systems rather than within them. Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) is crucial for routing between different autonomous systems on the internet, making it more suited for inter-domain routing rather than the internal routing concerns of an autonomous system. The Routing Information Protocol (RIP) is a specific protocol that can be used as an IGP, but categorizing it simply as