Studying BGP

I might be missing something, but it seems to me that BGP is more or less glorified static routing. Did anyone else feel this way when they first started learning it?

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networker050184

The BSCI just scratches the surface of BGP. There is a lot more that can be done with BGP.

ITdude

networker050184 wrote:

There is a lot more that can be done with BGP.

Boy is that an understatement!

tmlerdal

I can understand how you would get the impression that BGP is more or less glorified static routing. In a way, you are kind of right, but it's waaaaaaaaaaayyyyyy more complex. There is a whole course devoted just to BGP. ITdude is right....it's an understatement to say that the BSCI just scratches the surface. I'd say more like scratches the plastic wrapper of the box that contains BGP.

gojericho0

Oh i'm sure that is an understatement

But from reading it the first time in the BSCI book that was just my first impression because thats what it reminded me of

Paul Boz

No, bgp is not glorified static routing. I can understand why you'd feel that way - It's supposed to be very stable and unchanging.

When you manage BGP peering for a large ISP you realize it's far from "static." Adds, moves, and changes for IP space is often the job of entire engineering teams for larger ISPs.

Read up on confederations, private EBGP, and route reflectors. Like Alice in Wonderland, you can tumble down the rabbit hole into as much wonderment as your eyes can swallow with BGP.

gojericho0

I've never had to deal with it before, but will have to soon as we migrate more and more networks to MPLS. I think I have a pretty good understanding of it now as far as the CCNP is concerned, but for the intermediate and advanced stuff I am going to start looking for a dedicated book once I pass my exam.

tmlerdal

Internet Routing Architectures by Sam Halabi is a great book for BGP

Paul Boz

gojericho0 wrote:

I've never had to deal with it before, but will have to soon as we migrate more and more networks to MPLS. I think I have a pretty good understanding of it now as far as the CCNP is concerned, but for the intermediate and advanced stuff I am going to start looking for a dedicated book once I pass my exam.

Bgp Design and Implementation by Cisco press is great for case studies. There is plenty of stuff on migration that would probably help you.

gojericho0

Appreciate it guys, will pick up both. Looking forward to experiencing something new.