How do you design a routing protocol to handle network traffic spikes?

2 Step 2: Choose a routing protocol type

The next step is to choose a routing protocol type that suits your network requirements and objectives. There are two main types of routing protocols: static and dynamic. Static routing protocols use fixed and predefined routes that are manually configured by network administrators. Dynamic routing protocols use algorithms that automatically update and adapt the routes based on the network conditions and changes. Static routing protocols are simple, fast, and secure, but they are not flexible or scalable. Dynamic routing protocols are more complex, adaptive, and scalable, but they may incur more overhead, latency, and security risks.

3 Step 3: Design the routing protocol components

The third step in designing a routing protocol is to determine the components that define how routers interact and exchange information. This includes routing metrics, which are numerical values that measure the suitability or quality of a route; routing tables, which store information about routes to different destinations; routing messages, which are packets carrying information about network topology, routes, and status of routers; and routing algorithms, which are logical procedures that calculate, select, and update routes based on metrics, tables, and messages. Routing algorithms can be classified into two categories: distance-vector algorithms (such as RIP or EIGRP) that use the information about distance and direction to a destination, and link-state algorithms (such as OSPF or IS-IS) that use the information about state and cost of each link in the network.

4 Step 4: Implement the routing protocol features

The fourth step is to implement features of the routing protocol that enhance its functionality and performance. These features include load balancing, which distributes traffic load among multiple paths to a destination, and route aggregation, which combines multiple routes into a single one. Route filtering is also important, as it allows controlling or restricting routes based on criteria like source, destination, metric, or protocol. Finally, route redistribution can exchange routes between different routing protocols or domains, thereby increasing network connectivity, interoperability, and flexibility.

5 Step 5: Test and evaluate the routing protocol performance

The fifth step is to test and evaluate the routing protocol performance under various scenarios and conditions. You can use simulation tools, such as NS2, NS3, or OMNeT++, to model and analyze the behavior and outcome of your routing protocol. You can also use experimental tools, such as testbeds, emulators, or real networks, to implement and observe the operation and impact of your routing protocol. You need to measure and compare the routing protocol performance using different metrics, such as convergence time, overhead, scalability, robustness, or quality of service.

6 Step 6: Optimize and refine the routing protocol design

The final step is to optimize and refine the routing protocol design based on the feedback and results from the previous step. You may need to adjust or modify some of the routing protocol components, features, or parameters to improve the routing protocol performance or to meet the network requirements and objectives. You may also need to add or remove some of the routing protocol features or functions to enhance the routing protocol functionality or performance. You should repeat the testing and evaluation process until you achieve the desired outcome and satisfaction.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?