For larger networks Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) is generally used in preference to RIP.
OSPF offers several benefits to the administrator of a large or complex network:

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Less network traffic:

Routing table updates are sent only when a change has occurred.

Only the part of the table which has changed is sent.

Updates are sent to a multicast, not a broadcast, address.

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Hierarchical management, allowing the network to be subdivided.

The top level of the hierarchy of an OSPF network is known as an autonomous system (AS) or
routing domain, and is a collection of networks with a common administration and routing
strategy. The AS is divided into areas: Intra-area routing is used when a source and destination
address are in the same area, and inter-area routing across an OSPF backbone is used when
they are not. An inter-area router communicates with border routers in each of the areas to which
it provides connectivity.

The 7000 Series Managed Switch operating as a router and running OSPF determines the best
route using the assigned cost and the type of the OSPF route. The order for choosing a route if
more than one type of route exists is as follows:

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Intra-area.

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Inter-area.

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External type 1: The route is external to the AS.

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External type 2: The route was learned from other protocols such as RIP.