Audio Version: Border Gateway Protocol (BGP): How the Internet’s Routing Protocol Works

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Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) is a protocol that makes the Capitl I Internet run. It is the fundamental system that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and large networks use to exchange reachability information and ensure data finds its way across the complex web of networks making up the global Internet.

MikroTik vs Cisco: How BGP varies between platforms. The 10,000 foot view

MikroTik vs Cisco: How BGP Works on Each Platform When it comes to Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), both MikroTik and Cisco routers offer powerful capabilities to participate in dynamic interdomain routing. However, there are some significant differences in configuration syntax, defaults, feature sets, and operational behavior between the two platforms. Whether you’re migrating between them … Read more

BGP Filtering Best practices for fun and security

Interconnection

Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) filtering is critical for securing and optimizing internet routing. Improper BGP configuration can lead to serious issues like route leaks, hijacks, or suboptimal routing. Here are the most effective best practices for BGP filtering: 1. Prefix Filtering Objective: Ensure only authorized prefixes are advertised or accepted. 2. AS-PATH Filtering Objective: Prevent … Read more

Border Gateway Protocol (BGP): How the Internet’s Routing Protocol Works

Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) is a protocol that makes the Capital I Internet run. It is the fundamental system that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and large networks use to exchange reachability information and ensure data finds its way across the complex web of networks making up the global Internet. This post will demystify how BGP … Read more

VRF Architectures

1. Basic VRF Architecture Diagram A single router with two VRFs (e.g., Customer_A and Customer_B), each with its own routing table and interface. Purpose: Shows how two VRFs keep overlapping IP spaces separated. 2. Traffic Isolation in VRFs Two devices connected to the same router but isolated via VRFs. 3. VRF Routing Tables Example Purpose: … Read more

Why ISPs Should Prioritize Interconnection Over Raw Speed

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In the broadband industry, the race for higher speeds has dominated marketing campaigns and consumer expectations. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) continually tout gigabit speeds as the ultimate benchmark for quality. While speed is important, a more critical yet often overlooked aspect of internet performance is interconnection—the way ISPs connect and exchange traffic with other networks. … Read more

Why Is East-West Traffic Important in ISP Networks?

The terms east-west traffic and north-south traffic are pivotal for understanding data flows. These concepts are not limited to data centers or enterprise networks; they also have significant implications in Internet Service Provider (ISP) networks. While ISPs primarily focus on external connectivity (north-south traffic), the importance of east-west traffic within their networks is growing as … Read more

Configuring BGP Filters on MikroTik RouterOS v7: Part1

BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) is essential for dynamic routing in modern networks. MikroTik’s RouterOS version 7 introduces significant updates to BGP functionality, making it more efficient and flexible. This guide walks you through configuring BGP filters on MikroTik RouterOS v7 to manage route propagation effectively. Prerequisites Before diving into the configuration, ensure: Step 1: Access … Read more

How Does TCAM Work in Routers?

In a previous post, I asked if TCAM is still needed in modern routers. In this post, I will examine how TCAM works in routers and provide some more insight into TCAM. In a router, TCAM stores and processes rules for various functions. These rules are typically derived from: Steps for TCAM Lookup: Why Do … Read more