Troubleshooting BGP

The definitive guide to troubleshooting todays complex BGP networks

This is todays best single source for the techniques you need to troubleshoot BGP issues in modern Cisco IOS, IOS XR, and NxOS environments. BGP has expanded from being an Internet routing protocol and provides a scalable control plane for a variety of technologies, including MPLS VPNs and VXLAN. Bringing together content previously spread across multiple sources, Troubleshooting BGP describes BGP functions in todays blended service provider and enterprise environments.

Two expert authors emphasize the BGP-related issues youre most likely to encounter in real-world deployments, including problems that have caused massive network outages. They fully address convergence and scalability, as well as common concerns such as BGP slow peer, RT constraint filtering, and missing BGP routes. For each issue, key concepts are presented, along with basic configuration, detailed troubleshooting methods, and clear illustrations. Wherever appropriate, OS-specific behaviors are described and analyzed.

Troubleshooting BGP is an indispensable technical resource for all consultants, system/support engineers, and operations professionals working with BGP in even the largest, most complex environments.

   Quickly review the BGP protocol, configuration, and commonly used features

   Master generic troubleshooting methodologies that are relevant to BGP networks

   Troubleshoot BGP peering issues, flapping peers, and dynamic BGP peering

   Resolve issues related to BGP route installation, path selection, or route policies

   Avoid and fix convergence problems

   Address platform issues such as high CPU or memory usage

   Scale BGP using route reflectors, diverse paths, and other advanced features

   Solve problems with BGP edge architectures, multihoming, and load balancing

   Secure BGP inter-domain routing with RPKI

   Mitigate DDoS attacks with RTBH and BGP Flowspec

   Understand common BGP problems with MPLS Layer 3 or Layer 2 VPN services

   Troubleshoot IPv6 BGP for service providers, including 6PE and 6VPE

   Overcome problems with VXLAN BGP EVPN data center deployments

   Fully leverage BGP High Availability features, including GR, NSR, and BFD

   Use new BGP enhancements for link-state distribution or tunnel setup

This book is part of the Networking Technology Series from Cisco Press, which offers networking professionals valuable information for constructing efficient networks, understanding new technologies, and building successful careers.