Routers are the glue that connects the pieces of your network. Even in the simplest networks, this isn't a simple task. Routers have evolved into highly specialized computing platforms, with extremely flexible but complex capabilities.

Managing IP Networks with Cisco Routers is a practical guide to setting up and maintaining a production network. It discusses issues like how to select routing protocols and how to configure protocols to handle most common situations. It also discusses less esoteric but equally important issues like how to evaluate network equipment and vendors and how to set up a help desk. Although the book focuses on Cisco routers, and gives examples using Cisco's IOS, the principles discussed are common to all IP networks, regardless of the vendor you choose.

This book is firmly grounded in the realities of day-to-day network management. It's designed to solve real-world problems, like: "How do I prevent my router from using unreliable information from other routers?" "How do I safeguard my router against attacks?" "How can I make my network more reliable?" If you're building or maintaining an IP network, you'll find this book indispensable.

Topics covered include:

• Designing an IP network
• Evaluating equipment and vendors
• Selecting routing protocols
• Configuring common interior protocols (RIP, OSPF, EIGRP)
• Connecting to external networks and configuring exterior protocols (BGP)
• Ongoing network management: troubleshooting and maintenance
• Security and privacy issues