Technical Summary
The BGP4 protocol specifies the selection and propagation of a single
best path for each prefix. As defined and widely deployed today BGP
has no mechanisms to distribute alternate paths which are not
considered best path between its speakers. This behaviour results in
number of disadvantages for new applications and services.
This document presents an alternative mechanism for solving the
problem based on the concept of parallel route reflector planes.
Such planes can be built in parallel or they can co-exist on the
current route reflection platforms. Document also compares existing
solutions and proposed ideas that enable distribution of more paths
than just the best path.
This proposal does not specify any changes to the BGP protocol
definition. It does not require upgrades to provider edge or core
routers nor does it need network wide upgrades.
Working Group Summary
The draft was well supported in the working group, with active conversation
on the mailing list. Numerous people contributed and commented on the draft
as part of the process.
Document Quality
The document has had contribution from both vendors, researchers and
operators. The proposal does not require any changed to the BGP protocol,
but does require an implementation of the functionality specified.
Personnel
Document Shepherd -- Peter Schoenmaker <pds@lugs.com>
Area Directory -- Ron Bonica <rbonica@juniper.net>