IS-IS Network Design Solutions (Networking Technology)

The definitive IS-IS reference and design guide

• Extensive coverage of both underlying concepts and practical applications of the IS-IS protocol
• Detailed explanation of how the IS-IS database works and relevant insights into the operation of the shortest path first (SPF) algorithm
• Comprehensive tutorial on configuring and troubleshooting IS-IS on Cisco routers
• Advanced information on IP network design and performance optimization strategies using IS-IS
• Network design case studies provide a practical perspective of various design strategies
• Comprehensive overview of routing and packet-switching mechanisms on modern routers
• A collection of IS-IS packet formats and analyzer decodes useful for mastering the nuts and bolts of the IS-IS protocol and troubleshooting complex problems

Interior gateway protocols such as Intermediate System-to-Intermediate System (IS-IS) are used in conjunction with the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) to provide robust, resilient performance and intelligent routing capabilities required in large-scale and complex internetworking environments. Despite the popularity of the IS-IS protocol, however, networking professionals have depended on router configuration manuals, protocol specifications, IETF RFCs, and drafts. Mastering IS-IS, regardless of its simplicity, has been a daunting task for many.

IS-IS Network Design Solutions provides the first comprehensive coverage available on the IS-IS protocol. Networking professionals of all levels now have a single source for all the information needed to become true experts on the IS-IS protocol, particularly for IP routing applications. You will learn about the origins of the IS-IS protocol and the fundamental underlying concepts and then move to complex protocol mechanisms involving building, maintaining, and dissemination of the information found in the IS-IS database on a router. Subsequent discussions on IP network design issues include configuration and troubleshooting techniques, as well as case studies with practical design scenarios.

Abe Martey, CCIE is a Technical Marketing Engineer with the Optical Internetworking Business Unit of Cisco Systems. He provides engineering support for the Marketing Team of Cisco's high-end router products, the Gigabit Switch Router series. He first worked in Cisco's Technical Assistance Center (TAC), providing support for customers in the IP Routing protocols team, then moved to work on the specialized ISP team. There, he assisted large Internet service providers such as BBN, Sprint, and UUNet, providing dedicated and focused technical support.