Which authentication method is supported by RIP Version 1 for route updates?

• A. Password authentication
• B. No authentication is supported
• C. MD5 authentication
• D. SHA authentication

Answer: (B)

RIP Version 1, which stands for Routing Information Protocol Version 1, was designed with a focus on simplicity and ease of implementation. One significant characteristic of RIP Version 1 is that it does not include any built-in authentication mechanisms for securing route updates. Consequently, all RIP Version 1 messages are sent in clear text, which can make the routing information vulnerable to interception and spoofing.

This simplicity is a double-edged sword; while it allows for quick and easy deployment in small networks where security might not be a perceivable risk, it does not offer any form of protection against malicious activities. In more modern usage or in environments where security is a primary concern, this lack of authentication has led to the development of newer protocols, such as RIP Version 2, which does support MD5 authentication.

Therefore, stating that no authentication is supported in RIP Version 1 accurately reflects its core design, focusing on ease of use, without incorporating any mechanisms to verify the authenticity of routing updates.