text: To explain a complicated subject in simple words, IP routing is like regular traffic on the roads.\n\nDifferent countries have different rules that state how you can drive, just like different networks have different routing protocols that state how packets can traverse it.\n\nAll roads that will take you anywhere will have road signs that tell you how far your destination is, and how to get there. IP routing is the road sign of the network. It tells routers where the packets they receive are destined for, and how to get there.\n\nAll roads have law enforcement patrolling them, preventing people from driving in a manner that they aren't desired to. IP routing allows you to set your own rules and laws, and prevent packets from traversing the network in a manner that you don't want them to.\n\nThe wiki page should explain it in a bit more detail. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Routing