Why are routers commonly referred to as neighbors or peers?

Routers are commonly referred to as neighbors or peers because they communicate with each other by exchanging routing information. This communication is essential for maintaining an up-to-date and accurate routing table, which allows routers to effectively direct data packets across a network. Through protocols such as OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) or EIGRP (Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol), routers establish neighbor relationships to share information about the state of the network, including available paths, metrics, and updates regarding network topology changes. This collaborative interaction enhances the efficiency of routing decisions and overall network performance, making the concept of neighbors or peers in routing contexts significant.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the terminology used in networking. Physical proximity does not define the neighbor relationship, nor do routers share the same IP address, as each router typically has a unique address. While routers may have similar configurations, that similarity alone does not justify their designation as neighbors or peers in the context of routing protocols.