CREST Practitioner Security Analyst (CPSA) Practice

What type of routing requires manual configuration by a network administrator?

1. Dynamic Routing

2. Static Routing

3. Automatic Routing

4. Self-Learning Routing

The correct answer is: Static Routing

Static routing is a method of routing traffic that necessitates manual configuration by the network administrator. In static routing, the administrator explicitly defines the routes that data packets should take to reach their destination. This involves specifying the destination network, the next hop, or the exit interface to be used for forwarding packets. Such configuration does not change unless the administrator manually alters it. This approach is particularly beneficial in smaller, simpler networks where routes are unlikely to change frequently. Static routes are less flexible than dynamic routes but can be more predictable and secure since they are not subject to fluctuations that can occur with dynamic routing protocols. Static routing can also be advantageous for specific use cases where precise control over routing behavior is desired. In contrast, dynamic routing uses protocols that automatically adjust the routing tables based on the current state of the network and can respond to changes such as link failures or added network segments. Therefore, static routing is distinctly characterized by its manual configuration requirement.