RFC 1482 (rfc1482) - Page 1 of 11
Aggregation Support in the NSFNET Policy-Based Routing Database
Alternative Format: Original Text Document
Network Working Group Mark Knopper
Request for Comments: 1482 Steven J. Richardson
Merit/NSFNET
June 1993
Aggregation Support in the NSFNET Policy-Based Routing Database
Status of this memo
This memo provides information for the Internet community. It does
not specify an Internet standard. Distribution of this memo is
unlimited.
Abstract
This document describes plans for support of route aggregation, as
specified in the descriptions of Classless Inter-Domain Routing
(CIDR) [1] and the BGP-4 protocol [2], by the NSFNET Backbone Network
Service. Mechanisms for exchange of route aggregates between the
backbone service and regional/midlevel networks are specified.
Additionally, the memo proposes the implementation of an Aggregate
Registry which can be used by network service providers to share
information about the use of aggregation. Finally, the operational
impact of incorporating CIDR and aggregation is considered, including
an analysis of how routing table size will be affected. This impact
analysis will be used to modify the deployment plan, if necessary, to
maximize operational stability.
1. Introduction
The Internet network service provider community and router vendors
(as well as the IESG and various IETF working groups) have agreed
that the time for deployment of route aggregation is upon us. This
topic has been discussed in the BGP-D, NJM and ORAD working groups at
several IETF meetings; it was a discussion topic of the NSFNET
Regional Techs' Meetings in January and June, 1993; and it was also a
topic of several meetings of the Federal Engineering Planning Group
and Engineering and Operations Working Group of the Federal Network
Council.
All have generally agreed that Summer, 1993 is the time to enable
BGP-4 and CIDR aggregation. Each of the parties is responsible for
its own aspect of CIDR implementation and practice. This memo
describes Merit's plans for support of route aggregation on the
NSFNET, and a proposal for implementing a database of aggregation
information for use by network providers.
Knopper & Richardson
