Which step in the link-state routing process is described by a router inserting best paths into the routing table?

The step in the link-state routing process where a router inserts the best paths into the routing table is accurately described as choosing the best route. In link-state routing protocols, such as OSPF (Open Shortest Path First), routers maintain a topological map of the entire network in the form of a link-state database.

Once the link-state database is built and synchronized among all routers in an area, each router runs a Shortest Path First (SPF) algorithm, often referred to as Dijkstra's algorithm. This algorithm computes the shortest path to each destination network based on the link-state information. When it completes this calculation, the router determines which paths are the best based on metrics such as cost, bandwidth, and delay. After this evaluation, the router updates its routing table to reflect these best paths, ensuring efficient and effective routing of packets through the network.

This step is crucial as it directly affects the router's decision-making process for forwarding packets, ultimately impacting the overall network performance and reliability. Understanding this step allows network professionals to better grasp the dynamics of link-state routing protocols and their operations.