This book provides an introduction to Internet protocol (IP) routing concepts, and covers the major IP routing protocols: routing information protocol (RIP), interior gateway routing protocol (IGRP), Cisco’s enhanced IGRP, RIP version 2, open shortest path first (OSPF), and border gateway protocol 4 (BGP-4). The concepts behind each protocol are clearly explained using analogies with transportation networks. The text includes many examples of the dialogues used to configure the routing protocols and create routing parameters. Practical guidance is provided on reasons to choose a particular routing protocol and in the selection of configuration parameters. The book assumes a basic knowledge of networking concepts, including transmission control protocol/Internet protocol (TCP/IP) and IP addressing. Some terms are used without being defined, or explained when first used, such as masks and classless addressing.

The book describes IP routing as implemented in Cisco routers. The examples all use Cisco’s command line interface, and as a result are not particularly readable. The focus on the syntax of the commands detracts from the concepts being explained. There are lots of Cisco router specifics, such as an explanation of default values, and practical guidance on configuring Cisco parameters, although the applicable operating system version is not identified. The book contains no references, not even to the definitive Internet requests for comments (RFCs) on the routing protocols.

I recommend this book for network administrators who are setting up and configuring Cisco routers using the command line interface, but not for those using another interface, or those configuring other vendors’ routers.