HOPO32

HOPO32 is a public domain routing protocol developed in the 1990s by Fred Baker, a well-known figure in the field of computer networking. The protocol was designed to be more efficient and simpler than other routing protocols available at the time, such as OSPF and BGP.

HOPO32 uses a distance-vector algorithm to determine the best path to a network. This decision is based on the hop count, which is the number of routers between the source and destination network. Because of this, the protocol is designed to prefer paths with fewer routers, even if they may be slower or less physically reliable.

One of the key features of HOPO32 is its support for variably-sized network identifiers. This allows it to be flexible and work across a wide range of network types. The protocol also includes provision for summarizing multiple prefix addresses, allowing routers to be configured more efficiently.

HOPO32 adoption was mostly limited to small networks and in some environments with small communication domains. However, larger network environments typically adopted it from common IP-based distributions centered around communities. Regardless, research and simulations based on this routing protocol helped foster a broader understanding of distance-vector based routing algorithms.

HOPO32 operation typically occurs at the network layer, determining paths through the interconnected nodes of the network. However, given its public domain status and lack of vested support, HOPO32 has been mostly succeeded by more modern and commercially supported alternatives.