What does EGP stand for in networking?

EGP stands for Exterior Gateway Protocol in networking. This term refers to a type of routing protocol used to exchange routing information between different autonomous systems (AS), which are independent networks that operate under a single technical administration. EGP is critical for the functioning of the Internet, allowing different organizations and institutions to communicate effectively and share routing information.

The primary role of EGP is to facilitate communication between these separate networks, guiding how data packets are routed across varying network boundaries. This contrasts with interior gateway protocols (IGPs), which manage routing within a single autonomous system. A well-known example of an EGP is BGP (Border Gateway Protocol), which is extensively used on the Internet to manage the routing of data between different ISPs and large organizations.

The other options presented do not accurately reflect widely recognized terminology in networking. "Embedded Gateway Protocol," "Enhanced Gateway Protocol," and "External Group Protocol" are not established terms or standards in the context of routing protocols, making them less relevant in this context.