Why are EIGRP packets sent using unicast?

EIGRP (Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol) packets are sent using unicast primarily to specifically target the router that needs the information. This targeted approach means that routing updates or queries are sent directly to a specific neighbor rather than broadcasting them to all routers in the network. This method allows for more efficient use of network resources, as it reduces unnecessary traffic and ensures that only the intended recipient processes the information, improving overall network performance.

By using unicast, EIGRP maintains a focused communication channel. routers only interact with their immediate neighbors, thus optimizing the routing process and ensuring that routing tables are accurately updated without overwhelming the entire network with broadcast packets. The efficiency gained through unicast communication is particularly important in large networks, where broadcasting can lead to significant congestion and performance degradation.