Chapter 9. Scaling BGP Networks

Terms you'll need to understand:

• Route reflectors

• Route reflector client

• Cluster

• Cluster ID

• Originator ID

• Cluster list

• BGP split horizon rule

• Confederation

• Distribute lists

• Prefix lists

• Multihoming

• Redistribution

Techniques you'll need to master:

• Calculating connections needed for IBGP

• Designing and configuring a route reflector

• Using the show ip bgp command

• Implementing distribute lists and prefix lists

• Connecting multiple ISPs with BGP

• Redistributing routes between BGP and IGPs

• Verifying a multihomed environment

In this chapter, you build upon the knowledge gained in Chapter 8 about the Border Gateway Routing protocol version 4 (BGP-4). Now that you understand the basic characteristics, configuration, and verification methods of BGP, we look at concepts such as BGP scalability through route reflectors and managing policy using prefix lists. You will also learn how to connect to multiple Internet service providers (ISPs) via BGP, as well as how to configure and verify multihomed BGP scenarios. We also explore the methods for redistributing routes between BGP and interior gateway protocols.