Routetracking

Routetracking is the collection and analysis of information about the paths that routes take within a system. It encompasses monitoring route selection, changes, and performance over time. The term is used in both computer networking and logistics, and may include tracking policy-driven paths as well as dynamic routes created by routing algorithms.

In networks, routetracking helps operators observe how routing protocols such as OSPF and BGP select and update paths, identify route flaps, convergence delays, and path stability. Data sources include routing tables, protocol messages, traceroute results, and flow records. Outputs typically include path visualizations, convergence metrics, and alerts on anomalous changes that could indicate misconfigurations or failures.

In logistics and transportation, routetracking refers to tracking the actual routes used by vehicles or shipments. It supports route optimization, ETA accuracy, and compliance with constraints like time windows or vehicle capacities. Data sources include GPS, telematics, vehicle sensors, and GIS software. Analytics may compare planned routes with actual ones to reduce mileage, fuel consumption, and tardiness.

Methods and challenges: Routetracking employs real-time monitoring, route analytics, and historical trend analysis. Challenges include handling large data volumes, ensuring privacy and security, achieving data quality and interoperability across systems, and distinguishing routine rerouting from fault-induced changes.

See also: traceroute, route analytics, BGP monitoring, GPS tracking, fleet management.