THE ROUTE LOOKUP PROCESS STEP 1 The router examines level 1 routes, including network routes and supernet

routes, for the best match with the destination address of the IP packet. STEP1a If the best match is a level 1 ultimate route a classful network, superne t, or default route this route is used to forward the packet. STEP 1b If the best match is a level 1 parent route, proceed to Step 2.

STEP 2 The router examines child routes (the subnet routes) of the parent route for a best match. STEP 2a If there is a match with a level 2 child route, that subnet will be used to forward the packet. STEP 2b If there is not a match with any of the level 2 child routes, proceed to Step 3. STEP 3 Is the router implementing classful or classless routing behavior?

STEP 3a If classful routing behavior is in effect, terminate the lookup process and drop the packet. STEP 3b If classless routing behavior is in effect, continue searching level 1 s upernet routes in the routing table for a match, including the default route, if there is one. STEP 4 If there is now a lesser match with a level 1 supernet or default routes, the router uses that route to forward the packet. STEP 5 If there is not a match with any route in the routing table, the router d rops the packet. =========== Follow these steps in the figure to see the route lookup process. Don't worry ab out fully understanding the steps rightnow. You will better understand this process when we examine a few examples in the fo llowing sections. Step 1.The router examines level 1 routes, including network routes and supernet routes, for the best match with thedestination address of the IP packet. Step 1a.If the best match is a level 1 ultimate route-a classful network, supern et, or default route -this route is used to forwardthe packet. Step 1b.If the best match is a level 1 parent route, proceed to Step 2. Step 2.The router examines child routes (the subnet routes) of the parent route for a best match. Step 2a.If there is a match with a level 2 child route, that subnet will be used to forward the packet. Step 2b.If there is not a match with any of the level 2 child routes, proceed to Step 3. Step 3.Is the router implementing classful or classless routing behavior? Step 3a.Classful routing behavior: If classful routing behavior is in effect, te rminate the lookup process and drop the packet. Step 3b.Classless routing behavior: If classless routing behavior is in effect, continue searching level 1 supernet routes in therouting table for a mat ch, including the default route, if there is one. Step 4.If there is now a lesser match with a level 1 supernet or default routes,

the router uses that route to forward the packet. Click Step 5.If there is not a match with any route in the routing table, the ro uter drops the packet. Classful and classless routing behavior will be discussed in more detail in a la ter section. Note: A route referencing only a next-hop IP address and not an exit interface m ust be resolved to a route with an exitinterface. A recursive lookup is performed on the next-hop IP address until the route is re solved to an exit interface. Longest Match: Level 1 Network Routes Best match is also known as the longest matchThe best match is the one that has the most number of left most bits matching between the destination IP address andthe route in the routing table.

Routing Behavior Classful Routing Behavior: no ip classless what happens if there is not a match with any level 2 child routes of the parent ? -Router must determine if the routing behavior is classless or classful -If router is utilizing classful routing behavior then -Lookup process is terminated and packet is dropped Classful Routing Behavior ? Search Process The reason why the router will not search beyond the child routes -Originally networks were all classful -This meant an organization could subnet a major network address and ?enlighten? all the organization?srouters about the subnetting -Therefore, if the subnet was not in the routing table, the subnet did not exist and packet was dropped Classless Routing Behavior: ip Classless Beginning with IOS 11.3, ip classless was configured by defaultClassless routing behavior works for -Discontiguous networks -CIDR supernets Classless Routing Behavior: ip classless yRoute lookup process when ip classless is in use -If classless routing behavior in effect then

ySearch level 1 routes ySupernet routes Checked first -If a match exists then forward packet yDefault routes Checked second -If there is no match or no default route then the y Packet is droppedClassful routing behavior - Indicated by the use of the no ip classless command -Router will not look beyond child routes for a lesser matchClassless routing be havior -Indicated by the use of the ip classless command -Router will look beyond child routes for a lesser match Classful vs. Classless Routing Behavior -It is recommended to use classless routing behavior Reason: so supernet and default routes can be used whenever needed