The author describes in detail the implementation of routing and packet forwarding within Cisco routers. The 600-page book begins with a review of Cisco routers, Internet protocol (IP) addressing, and routing concepts. Routing table maintenance and the IP packet forwarding process in Cisco routers are described in detail. The book discusses static routing, and details the specific mechanisms inside the dynamic routing protocols, covering both the distance vector and link-state routing protocols. Routing information protocol (RIP), interior gateway routing protocol (IGRP), open shortest path first (OSPF), and Enhanced IGRP (EIGRP), Cisco’s proprietary routing protocol, are covered in depth within the context of Cisco’s implementation. Inter-domain routing protocols, such as border gateway protocol (BGP), are excluded from the book.

The book is intended primarily for network engineers involved in the configuration and troubleshooting of Cisco routers. Prior knowledge of IP routing concepts and practical experience with the command line interface (CLI) of Cisco routers is assumed. The goal of the book is to give the reader a deep understanding of the implementation of routing and packet forwarding in Cisco routers. The mechanisms are illustrated using network diagrams and extensive CLI listings.

The book will be valuable to the Cisco router specialist, providing details on the implementation that will assist in routing selection, configuration, and troubleshooting. Details are provided on the functionality and performance aspects of the implementation in various Cisco hardware platforms and software versions.