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The document discusses the use of IBGP in data center fabrics, emphasizing that while it is possible to build IBGP-only networks, it may not be advisable. It contrasts traditional network designs with the newer approaches that have emerged, highlighting the complexities introduced by IBGP's requirements for route reflectors and loopback interfaces. The author advocates for the use of EBGP in certain scenarios despite the allure of IBGP-only designs.

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arunprabhuram
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3 views1 page

PG 1

The document discusses the use of IBGP in data center fabrics, emphasizing that while it is possible to build IBGP-only networks, it may not be advisable. It contrasts traditional network designs with the newer approaches that have emerged, highlighting the complexities introduced by IBGP's requirements for route reflectors and loopback interfaces. The author advocates for the use of EBGP in certain scenarios despite the allure of IBGP-only designs.

Uploaded by

arunprabhuram
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Tuesday, January 21, 2025 08:33 +0100

IBGP Is the Better EBGP


Whenever I was explaining how one could build EBGP-only data center fabrics, someone would
inevitably ask, “But could you do that with IBGP?”

TL&DR: Of course, but that does not mean you should.

Anyway, leaving behind the land of sane designs, let’s trot down the rabbit trail of IBGP-only
networks.

It Looks Easy from a Distance

SIDEBAR
This is how we were building Boring Networks that Worked™ before the stampede toward the
lands of GIFEE enlightenment started:

An IP network built with a protocol designed for that purpose

We added IBGP to the mix when we had to exchange a large number of routes or transport
customer routes that had to remain invisible to the network core using VPNv4, VPNv6 or EVPN
address families:

Adding IBGP to an IP network

Due to how the ancients designed IBGP to be used, the intermediate nodes must be route
reflectors. We would also establish IBGP sessions between loopback interfaces to ensure IBGP
does not have to deal with core link failures.

Following the BGP Is the Better IGP rallying cry, people started building networks in which
every node would be a different autonomous system:

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