What is a common characteristic of distance-vector routing protocols?

Distance-vector routing protocols are characterized by their methodology of sharing routing information and determining the best paths to reach different network destinations. Specifically, they operate by having each router maintain a table of the best-known distances (costs) to reach various network destinations, along with the direction (next hop) to take on this path.

The defining feature of these protocols is their approach to sharing this information with adjacent routers. They periodically share their entire routing table with neighbors, which allows each router to gain insights into the network topology and adjust its routing table accordingly. This sharing method is relatively simple and is a fundamental characteristic of distance-vector protocols, enabling them to propagate route information through the network effectively.

In contrast, other answers address different aspects of routing protocols. For example, requiring complete routing information from the entire network applies more to link-state protocols, which maintain a complete view of the network's topology. Calculating the best path using link state information and using more complex algorithms for route calculation pertain to link-state protocols as well. These differences highlight the simplistic nature of distance-vector protocols, focusing on exchanging route information with direct neighbors rather than a comprehensive network view.