The MRC protocol aims to improve network routing reliability and reduce packet loss during link and node failures. It does so by pre-computing and storing backup routing configurations at each node to allow for fast rerouting onto alternate shortest paths after any failure without needing to determine the root cause. The MRC approach is evaluated to show it can reduce network traffic loads and recovery times compared to standard protocols like IGP and BGP that require more time to detect failures and recalculate routes.