Cisco Bgp-4 Command & Configuration Handbook

by William R. Parkhurst

Book Overview

The comprehensive, hands-on guide to all Cisco IOS(r) Software BGP-4 commands The complete BGP-4 command reference invaluable for network designers, engineers, and architects Provides configuration,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 158705017X
• ISBN13: 9781587050176
• Release Date: January 2001
• Publisher: Cisco Press
• Length: 400 Pages
• Weight: 1.83 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 7.6" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

BGP Unveiled

The Cisco BGP-4 Command and Configuration Handbook has become another valuable addition to my networking library. This reference by Dr. William Parkhurst is a comprehensive listing of all BGP-4 commands used in Cisco IOS software. Like his reference on OSPF commands, each BGP command is outlined with a syntax description, a purpose for the command, configuration examples and a short troubleshooting section. The flow of the book was very logically laid out. It begins with basic BGP route aggregation commands and progresses through neighbor configuration commands, route redistribution and ends with chapters on troubleshooting commands. Each chapter begins with basic commands and builds on those commands as the chapter progresses. This way the reader gets a feeling for how each command interacts with other commands. As with any other command and configuration handbook, the reader must be well versed in the theory behind the technology. This is especially true with this book. I must admit, that before reading this book, I did not have much exposure to BGP-4, but I found the material very easy to comprehend. It also helped me to understand the protocol better. Without the proper background in BGP-4 you can get lost very easily, however if you have had exposure to BGP then you will find this book very useful in configuring the protocol. Another aspect of the book I really liked was in how the configuration examples were presented. Each example had a network scenario and gave a step by step process on how to utilize the command. A network diagram was included along with outputs from the routers used in the configuration scenario. The configuration examples start with a verification phase where the correct operation is determined. Then the command is applied and the changes are outlined and displayed. The troubleshooting section outlines steps where the most common failures may occur. While the reader can get a lot of information from just reading the configuration section, it really helps if you can have access to live routers. I also found the appendices very helpful in understanding some of the book's content. Appendix A presents the concepts and terminology contained in RFC 1771 Border Gateway Protocol 4. Appendix B covers regular expression and Appendix C is about route map logic and how route maps are used in BGP-4. Don't be daunted by Appendix A, the author left out most of the details, like packet format and content and instead focused on BGP attributes, path selection and forming BGP connections. Appendix C gave a good refresher on route maps and how they are utilized in BGP. This book has become an excellent reference source for my studies toward the CCIE. It also helped me to understand BGP better. I would highly recommend this book to anyone studying for Cisco certification or who has to work with BGP-4 in their network. I looked forward to reading more books by Dr. Parkhurst

Remarkable achievement

BGP isn't easy. No book is ever going to change that, but this book comes close.Commands and all of the parameters are explained, with good examples. If you want to be able to accomplish something, or want to understand what someone else was doing/thinking when they coded some line in the configuration, then this book is for you.I'm probably going to have to hide it from my colleagues, in order to avoid someone taking it on an anonymous "loan".

One step further on BGP

If you start with BGP you can read Doyle's Routing TCP/IP vol II. For the complete picture and also if your are a beginner, read Halabi's Internet Routing Architecture 2nd edition (if to choose one, buy this last) If you already practice BGP and want to achieve the "BGP's state of the art", buy Parkhurst's BGP-4 Command and configuration handbook. This is NOT a command reference book which are very unuseful. Although Cisco is doing efforts with their web site, it's missing many explanations on commands. It is never as good as this book that contains a lot of examples for illustrating the why and how.

Excellent reference and preparation for the CCIE lab

This book has 1 to 4 lab exercises for every BGP command using a minimum number of routers. If you are preparing for the CCIE lab this book can guarantee that you shouldn't miss any BGP questions.

Much Needed

BGP resources (in print at least) are few and far between. This book presents a much needed tool in the day to day configuration and maintenance of THE routing protocol - BGP. It is for cisco people only - but Juniper have also got some good docs on their web site....so check them out.Overall a great book - use with Halabi's 'Internet Routing Architectures' and Jeff Doyles 'Routing TCP/IP Vol 2'