Learn how the BGP AS-Path attribute influences path selection, prevents routing loops, and helps control inbound traffic using AS-Path prepending. Simple examples and configurations included. In our previous blogs, we started exploring how BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) decides the “best path” when multiple routes are available. We first looked at the Weight attribute, then the … Read more
Learn how BGP selects the best path using the ‘Originated Locally’ attribute. Understand route origination via network, redistribution, and aggregate commands with examples, configuration, and verification to simplify BGP path selection. When multiple routes exist to reach the same destination, BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) applies a step-by-step decision process to select the “best path.” Each … Read more
Learn how BGP Local Preference works in the path selection process. This step-by-step guide explains its role, configuration, and real-world examples to influence outbound traffic routing. In the previous blog, we explored the first BGP path selection attribute — Weight. Now, it’s time to move on to the second attribute in the decision process: Local … Read more
Understanding BGP Weight Attribute – The Complete Guide for Network Engineers The BGP weight attribute is a Cisco-proprietary value used to influence the best path selection process on a local router. It is a numeric value ranging from 0 to 65535, where paths with higher weight values are preferred. Importantly, this weight attribute is local … Read more
Learn BGP attributes and path selection in detail. Explore AS_PATH, LOCAL_PREF, MED, and more with examples, rules, and benefits for network optimization. Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) is the routing protocol that holds the internet together. Unlike protocols such as OSPF or EIGRP, which rely on metrics like cost or hop count, BGP makes routing decisions … Read more
Understanding BGP Route Reflectors: Simplifying iBGP Full Mesh A detailed guide to BGP Route Reflectors—learn how they simplify iBGP full mesh, key reflection rules, configuration steps, loop prevention with Originator-ID and Cluster-ID, plus advantages and best practices for scalable and resilient network design. The Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) is the backbone of the internet, responsible … Read more
Learn how BGP Allowas-in helps overcome eBGP routing loop issues in MPLS VPNs and multi-homed networks. Step-by-step lab, configs, and troubleshooting included. The Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) is the backbone of inter-domain communication, enabling autonomous systems (ASes) across the globe to exchange routing information. While BGP is robust and scalable, certain scenarios—especially in MPLS VPN … Read more
Learn how BGP AS-Override resolves routing issues when customer sites use the same AS number in MPLS VPNs. Step-by-step lab guide with configs and verification. In the last blog on BGP Loop Prevention, we deeply explored how the BGP routing protocol avoids routing loops using its AS Path attribute. (If you missed it, Click here … Read more
How BGP Prevents Loops in iBGP and eBGP: A Beginner-Friendly Guide with Scenarios When we talk about Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), we’re really talking about the glue that holds the internet together. BGP decides how traffic flows between massive networks called Autonomous Systems (AS). But here’s the catch: with so many routers exchanging routes, what … Read more
BGP Messages Explained: A Beginner-Friendly Guide If you’ve ever wondered “How does the internet know where to send my data?”, the answer is a protocol called BGP (Border Gateway Protocol). Think of BGP as the GPS system of the internet. It helps your data find the best and most reliable path to its destination. But … Read more