What is the main purpose of using Interior Gateway Protocols?

The main purpose of using Interior Gateway Protocols (IGPs) is to manage routing within a single autonomous system (AS). IGPs facilitate the exchange of routing information among routers within that AS, allowing them to make informed decisions about the best path for data packets. This internal routing capability is crucial because it ensures that data travels efficiently within the network infrastructure that an organization controls.

Interior Gateway Protocols, such as Routing Information Protocol (RIP), Open Shortest Path First (OSPF), and Intermediate System to Intermediate System (IS-IS), focus on the dynamic adjustment of routes based on network conditions, which is vital for maintaining optimal performance as the topology changes due to factors like link failures or additions of new routes.

In contrast, the options related to connecting different autonomous systems, enforcing security protocols, and monitoring network performance do not specifically fall under the core function of IGPs. These tasks are typically handled by Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) for inter-AS routing, various security frameworks for monitoring and security protocols, and separate performance monitoring tools or protocols, respectively. This distinction clarifies the primary role of IGPs in ensuring that routing within a single AS is efficient and adaptable to change.