What protocol could be used for routing updates in a network?

OSPF, or Open Shortest Path First, is a link-state routing protocol used for routing updates within a network. It operates within an Autonomous System (AS) and is designed to efficiently manage and distribute routing information among routers. OSPF uses a hierarchical network design and a concept called areas to reduce the size of the routing table and optimize the routing process.

This protocol allows routers to exchange information about the network topology, ensuring each router has a consistent view of the network. OSPF is particularly favored in larger and more complex networks due to its scalability and fast convergence times. It dynamically updates routing tables when network changes occur, thereby allowing optimal path selection for data transmission.

In contrast, TCP is a transport layer protocol responsible for ensuring reliable communication between hosts and does not handle routing updates. HTTP is an application layer protocol used for transferring hypertext and web resources, while DNS is a service that translates domain names into IP addresses, which is also not involved in routing updates. Each of these protocols serves distinct purposes within networking, but OSPF is specifically designed for the role of routing updates.