Scottie said:
Does anybody know of a good guide to network configuration/debugging? I mean like more hardcore stuff about how routing works, what is a BGP and what does it do, how to debug issues like this, etc? I really need to understand this stuff a lot better than I do now... I suspect that had I been able to give more precise details and data, the Networking Guy at FDC might have fixed the problem a lot sooner.
Hi Scottie,
First of all, I am not a "Network Guy", but I have been using and/or programming computers for over 30+ years on the software side and have had to find applicable resources for many aspects of computing. So I hope my several hours of research for you is of some benefit.
Its easy to get lost and overwhelmed by the half million+ listings of "Border Gateway Protocol" on google. So I tried to narrow it down to a few (hopefully) applicable resources. The one assumption I made and please correct me if I am wrong, is that you are not looking at months of study to gain certification:
_http://www.informit.com/library/content.aspx?b=CCIE_Practical_Studies_II&seqNum=8
The CCIE is one of the most challenging certifications available. Most CCIE candidates spend several months studying and even take a few attempts at the lab exam before passing. If you are considering pursuing the CCIE, you are most likely aware of the amount of self-study, training, and experience required to undertake the laboratory exam.
Also it is important to only utilize sources after 2006. Per wiki..
_https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bgp
The current version of BGP is version 4 (BGP4) codified in RFC 4271 since 2006. Early versions of the protocol are widely considered obsolete and are rarely supported.RFC 4271, which went through more than 20 drafts, is based on the earlier RFC 1771 version 4. The RFC 4271 version corrected a number of errors, clarified ambiguities and brought the RFC much closer to industry practices. Version 4 of BGP has been in use on the Internet since 1994.
Although the BGP is codified, it is important to know, 1. the brand and model # of the router being used and 2. the firmware and version, as the implementation and syntax may vary. (also some still use a CLI and others use a GUI ).
IMO the most concise and easiest to read 'paper' with some troubleshooting is:
_https://supportforums.adtran.com/servlet/JiveServlet/previewBody/1626-102-4-3611/Configuring%20Border%20Gateway%20Protocol%20Version%204%20in%20AOS.pdf
The above is not the most common router but I do think its a good starting point for general applicable knowledge. For Cisco routers (one of the most common) there is a almost endless amount of info to get bog down in, but I think this FAQ is a good place to start:
_http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/ip/border-gateway-protocol-bgp/5816-bgpfaq-5816.html
Of course youtube has videos on the subject, but for in-depth "hardcore" videos I recommend:
_https://www.ciscolive.com/online/connect/search.ww#loadSearch-searchPhrase=bgp&searchType=session&tc=0&sortBy=&p=
These are from the 'big bucks' cutting edge conferences available after the event for free (registration is required to view but is free).
Not knowing the router brand, nor your desired understanding of BGP--I hope these are helpful and not noise nor distraction.
