👉 Forwarding math is the process of determining which network node should receive a packet sent from a source node to a destination node. It involves calculating metrics such as hop count, delay, bandwidth, and congestion to decide the optimal path. The forwarding decision typically uses algorithms like Shortest Path First (SPF), which considers the sum of weights (often based on latency or bandwidth) along the path from source to destination. These metrics help ensure efficient data transmission, minimizing delays and maximizing throughput while avoiding congested or unreliable links. The goal is to select the next hop that provides the best trade-off between these factors, ensuring packets reach their destination reliably and quickly.
