What is the main function of a routing protocol?

The primary function of a routing protocol is to facilitate the exchange of routing information between routers. Routing protocols enable routers to communicate with one another, allowing them to share information about the networks they can reach and the routes to those networks. This exchange of information helps routers construct and maintain accurate routing tables, which are essential for determining the most efficient path for forwarding data packets through a network.

Routing protocols play a crucial role in dynamic routing environments where network conditions can change frequently. By periodically sharing updates about reachable networks and the cost associated with different routes, routing protocols allow routers to adapt to changes in topology, link status, and traffic loads. This collaboration among routers ensures that data can be routed effectively, maintaining high performance and reliability across the network.

The other options do not define the core function of routing protocols. Managing hardware configurations pertains more to network management and device administration, whereas providing internet access to hosts relates to connectivity rather than routing operations. Connecting different network segments is a broader task that can involve different networking technologies, but routing protocols specifically handle the exchange of routing information necessary for facilitating that connectivity.