This two-volume book describes the most common IP routing protocols used today, explaining the underlying concepts of each protocol and how the protocol components and processes fit within the typical router. Unlike other books, this title is not vendor focused. Volume 1 discusses fundamental concepts of IP routing and distance-vector routing protocols (RIPv2 and EIGRP). Volume 2 focuses on link-state routing protocols (OSPF and IS-IS) and the only path-vector routing protocol in use today (BGP). The volumes explain the types of databases each routing protocol uses, how the databases are constructed and managed, and how the various protocol components and processes, relate and interact with the databases. They also describe the routing protocols from a systems perspective, recognizing the most important routing and packet forwarding components and functions of a router. An illustrated description of IP routing protocols is given using real-world network examples. The books are presented from a practicing engineer's perspective, linking theory and fundamental concepts to common practices and real-world examples.

The discussion is presented in a simple style to make it comprehensible and appealing to undergraduate and graduate level students, research and practicing engineers, scientists, IT personnel, and network engineers.