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SmartSwitch Router User Reference Manual 71
Chapter 6
BGP Configuration
Guide
BGP Overview
The Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) is an exterior gateway protocol that allows IP routers
to exchange network reachability information. BGP became an internet standard in 1989
(RFC 1105) and the current version, BGP-4, was published in 1994 (RFC 1771). BGP is
typically run between Internet Service Providers. It is also frequently used by multi-
homed ISP customers, as well as in large commercial networks.
Autonomous systems that wish to connect their networks together must agree on a
method of exchanging routing information. Interior gateway protocols such as RIP and
OSPF may be inadequate for this task since they were not designed to handle multi-AS,
policy, and security issues. Similarly, using static routes may not be the best choice for
exchanging AS-AS routing information because there may be a large number of routes, or
the routes may change often.
Note:
This chapter uses the term Autonomous System (AS) throughout. An AS is defined
as a set of routers under a central technical administration that has a coherent
interior routing plan and accurately portrays to other ASs what routing
destinations are reachable by way of it.
In an environment where using static routes is not feasible, BGP is often the best choice for
an AS-AS routing protocol. BGP prevents the introduction of routing loops created by
multi-homed and meshed AS topologies. BGP also provides the ability to create and
enforce policies at the AS level, such as selectively determining which AS routes are to be
accepted or what routes are to be advertised to BGP peers.