| EIGRP is
a Cisco proprietary routing protocol. EIGRP supports IP using both
classless and class-based IP addresses, as well as other
network-layer protocols. This allows networks using classless
interdomain routing (CIDR)-compliant IP addresses or variable-length
subnet mask (VLSM) to use Cisco distance-vector routing technology.
Other enhancements were designed to reduce convergence times and
improve network stability. One such enhancement was a new algorithm,
the Diffusing Update Algorithm (DUAL), which enables EIGRP
routers to determine whether a path advertised by a neighbor is
looped or loop free, and allows a router running EIGRP to find
alternative paths without waiting for updates from other routers.
This helps EIGRP networks converge quickly, without incurring any
significant risk of introducing or propagating routing loops.
This chapter examines the architectural framework
of EIGRP, its operational mechanics, and the similarities and
differences between EIGRP and IGRP. It also focuses on EIGRP
features and operation, as well as the steps required to configure
and test EIGRP networks. Understanding how EIGRP functions will
help you determine whether it is the appropriate routing protocol
for your environment.
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