The GATE Grind

GATE 2025 CS (CS2) – Question 18

Computer Networks · IPv4: Addressing, CIDR, Fragmentation and NAT · 1 mark · Multiple choice

A machine receives an IPv4 datagram. The protocol field of the IPv4 header has the protocol number of a protocol X.

Which ONE of the following is NOT a possible candidate for X?

  1. Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP)
  2. Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP)
  3. Open Shortest Path First (OSPF)
  4. Routing Information Protocol (RIP)

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Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: (D) Routing Information Protocol (RIP)

Explanation

ICMP, IGMP and OSPF are carried directly over IP and have their own protocol numbers. RIP runs over UDP, so the IP protocol field would hold UDP's number, not RIP's.