What file system permission is needed to change the routing table?

To change the routing table in a network device, write permission is essential. Modifying the routing table involves altering the entries that determine how data packets are directed through the network, which is a write operation. This action typically requires a user or process to have the capability to make changes to the system configuration, which aligns with the necessity for write permissions.

In many operating systems and network devices, write permissions are explicitly established to ensure that only authorized users or processes can make changes that affect network traffic and system behavior. This security measure helps prevent unauthorized or accidental alterations that could lead to network disruptions.

Other permissions, such as read and execute, do not provide the necessary authority to alter configurations. Read permissions allow users to view the routing table but not modify it, while execute permissions pertain to the capability to run programs or scripts rather than make changes to system settings. Thus, the correct understanding hinges on recognizing that write permissions are critical for executing changes to the routing table effectively.