Junos Enterprise Routing, 2nd Edition

Chapter 5. Protocol Independent Properties and Routing Policy

This chapter is divided into two main sections. The first section details routing capabilities and features that are not specific to any particular routing protocol, hence the phrase protocol independent. Although termed independent, these features often interact with one or more routing protocols, and in some cases may be required for proper protocol operation! The second half of the chapter investigates Junos software routing policy. Routing policy provides a toolbox that facilitates the control of route distribution, including route filtering and route attribute manipulation.

In many cases, you combine the functions of Protocol Independent Properties (PIPs) and routing policy to achieve some goal. For example, a static route is defined using PIP, but this same static route can then be redistributed, perhaps with a modified attribute such as a route tag or Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) community, as a result of routing policy.

This chapter exposes the reader to PIP and routing policy in a manner that is analogous to a mechanic being introduced to each tool comprising a complete toolbox. To continue the analogy, the ways in which tools can be used, either alone or in combinations, are virtually limitless. For example, your hammer can be used as part of the repair of a hole in a boat’s hull, or it can be used to make the hole, perhaps in an effort to scuttle the craft. Although the boat may have some opinion, it’s safe ...