Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
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Tuning BGP Performance
The focus of this chapter is tuning BGP performance. There is some ambiguity as to what
exactly is meant by BGP performance, because BGP performance has several aspects. This
chapter divides BGP performance tuning into two major categories:
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BGP convergence from an uninitialized state
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BGP network performance
BGP convergence from an uninitialized state is an aspect of BGP performance concerned
with how quickly BGP can converge from an empty Routing Information Base (RIB). Per-
formance tuning is focused on optimizing the transport mechanisms and updating genera-
tion facilities.
BGP network performance focuses on reduction of routing information through intelligent
filter handling, managing network and routing instability, and convergence timing issues
between the IGP and BGP. The BGP network performance topics covered in this chapter are
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BGP fast external fallover
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IGP/BGP convergence time deltas
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BGP Non-Stop Forwarding
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BGP route flap dampening
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Soft reconfiguration and route refresh
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Transmit side loop detection
•
Outbound route filtering
This chapter concludes with a case study on BGP convergence optimization. Through the
use of lab testing, this case study examines in depth the impact of peer groups, queue opti-
mization, TCP tuning, and efficient BGP update packing.
