Cisco BGP Interview Questions and Answers

Basic BGP Questions (100 Questions)

These questions cover fundamental BGP concepts, ideal for beginners or those refreshing
their knowledge.

1. What is BGP?

Answer: BGP is a path-vector routing protocol used to exchange routing information

between different autonomous systems (ASes) on the internet.
Scenario: BGP helps ISPs share routes to ensure packets reach their destination across the
globe.
Memory Tip: Think of BGP as “Best Gateway Protocol” for finding paths between networks.

2. What is the full form of BGP?

Answer: Border Gateway Protocol.

Scenario: None.
Memory Tip: Border = “Boundary,” Gateway = “Gate,” Protocol = “Plan.”

3. What type of protocol is BGP?

Answer: An exterior gateway protocol (EGP) and path-vector protocol.

Scenario: BGP connects different companies’ networks, unlike OSPF (internal).
Memory Tip: “External Path-Vector” = Paths between external networks.

4. What is an autonomous system (AS)?

Answer: A collection of IP networks under a single organization’s control.

Scenario: An ISP’s network is one AS with a unique AS number.
Memory Tip: AS = “Autonomous System” = “A Sovereign network.”

5. What is the administrative distance of BGP?

Answer: eBGP: 20, iBGP: 200.

Scenario: eBGP routes are preferred over OSPF (AD 110) due to lower AD.
Memory Tip: “eBGP 20 = External, iBGP 200 = Internal.”

6. What is eBGP?

Answer: External BGP, used between routers in different ASes.

Scenario: Two ISPs use eBGP to exchange routes.
Memory Tip: eBGP = “External Buddies Gateway Protocol.”

7. What is iBGP?
Answer: Internal BGP, used between routers in the same AS.
Scenario: Routers within an ISP use iBGP to share external routes.
Memory Tip: iBGP = “Internal Buddies Gateway Protocol.”

8. What transport protocol does BGP use?

Answer: TCP, port 179.

Scenario: BGP relies on TCP for reliable communication between routers.
Memory Tip: “BGP on TCP 179” = “One-Seven-Nine for BGP.”

9. What is a BGP neighbor?

Answer: A router with which a BGP router establishes a session to exchange routes.
Scenario: Two routers in different ASes become eBGP neighbors.
Memory Tip: Neighbor = “Nearby Router for Route Sharing.”

10. What is a BGP session?

Answer: A TCP connection between two BGP routers to exchange routing information.
Scenario: A session is established before routes are shared.
Memory Tip: Session = “Secure Exchange Setup.”

11. What are the BGP neighbor states?

Answer: Idle, Connect, Active, OpenSent, OpenConfirm, Established.

Scenario: A router progresses from Idle to Established to share routes.
Memory Tip: “I Can Always Only Confirm Excellence” (Idle, Connect, Active, OpenSent,
OpenConfirm, Established).

12. What is the BGP Idle state?

Answer: No TCP connection is initiated; the router is waiting to start.

Scenario: A router is powered on and hasn’t started BGP yet.
Memory Tip: Idle = “Inactive, Doing Little.”

13. What is the BGP Connect state?

Answer: The router is waiting for a TCP connection to complete.

Scenario: A router sends a TCP SYN to its neighbor.
Memory Tip: Connect = “Calling Neighbor.”

14. What is the BGP Active state?

Answer: The router is trying to establish a TCP connection but hasn’t succeeded.
Scenario: A firewall blocks TCP 179, keeping the router in Active.
Memory Tip: Active = “Attempting Connection.”
15. What is the BGP OpenSent state?

Answer: The router has sent an OPEN message and is waiting for a reply.
Scenario: A router sends its AS number and waits for confirmation.
Memory Tip: OpenSent = “Opened, Sent, Waiting.”

16. What is the BGP OpenConfirm state?

Answer: The router has received an OPEN message and is waiting for a KEEPALIVE.
Scenario: Both routers agree on parameters and confirm with KEEPALIVE.
Memory Tip: OpenConfirm = “Open, Checking Final.”

17. What is the BGP Established state?

Answer: The BGP session is fully up, and routers exchange routes.
Scenario: Routers are now sharing full routing tables.
Memory Tip: Established = “Everything’s Set, Let’s Share.”

18. What is a BGP KEEPALIVE message?

Answer: A message sent periodically to maintain the BGP session.

Scenario: Routers send KEEPALIVE every 60 seconds to stay connected.
Memory Tip: KEEPALIVE = “Keep Session Alive.”

19. What is a BGP UPDATE message?

Answer: A message used to advertise or withdraw routes.

Scenario: A router sends an UPDATE to advertise a new network.
Memory Tip: UPDATE = “Upload Path Details.”

20. What is a BGP NOTIFICATION message?

Answer: A message sent to terminate a BGP session due to an error.

Scenario: A router sends NOTIFICATION for a malformed OPEN message.
Memory Tip: NOTIFICATION = “Notice of Termination.”

21. What is a BGP OPEN message?

Answer: A message to initiate a BGP session, containing AS number, BGP version, etc.
Scenario: Routers exchange OPEN messages to start a session.
Memory Tip: OPEN = “Offer Protocol Essentials.”

22. What is the default BGP KEEPALIVE interval?

Answer: 60 seconds.
Scenario: Routers send KEEPALIVE every minute to stay connected.
Memory Tip: “60 Seconds = Standard KEEPALIVE.”
23. What is the default BGP hold time?

Answer: 180 seconds (3 times KEEPALIVE).

Scenario: If no KEEPALIVE is received in 180 seconds, the session drops.
Memory Tip: “180 = 3 x 60, Hold On.”

24. How do you configure a BGP neighbor on a Cisco router?

Answer: Use neighbor <ip-address> remote-as <as-number> under BGP configuration.

Scenario: Configure a neighbor at 192.168.1.2 in AS 200: neighbor 192.168.1.2 remote-as
200.
Memory Tip: “Neighbor Remote-AS = Name Router’s AS.”

25. What is the BGP AS number?

Answer: A unique identifier for an autonomous system, 1 to 65535 (or 4-byte ASNs).
Scenario: An ISP uses AS 65000 to identify its network.
Memory Tip: AS Number = “Address for System.”

26. What is the command to enable BGP on a Cisco router?

Answer: router bgp <as-number>.

Scenario: Start BGP for AS 100: router bgp 100.
Memory Tip: “Router BGP = Begin Gateway Protocol.”

27. What is a BGP path attribute?

Answer: Information attached to a route to influence path selection (e.g., AS_PATH,

NEXT_HOP).
Scenario: A shorter AS_PATH makes a route more preferred.
Memory Tip: Attribute = “Additional Route Traits.”

28. What is the BGP AS_PATH attribute?

Answer: A list of ASes a route has traversed.

Scenario: A route with AS_PATH 100 200 is less preferred than 100.
Memory Tip: AS_PATH = “ASes Passed Along.”

29. What is the BGP NEXT_HOP attribute?

Answer: The IP address of the next router to reach a destination.

Scenario: A route’s NEXT_HOP must be reachable for the route to be valid.
Memory Tip: NEXT_HOP = “Next Stop for Packets.”

30. What is the BGP ORIGIN attribute?

Answer: Indicates how a route was originated (IGP, EGP, or incomplete).
Scenario: IGP routes (e.g., OSPF) are preferred over incomplete (redistributed).
Memory Tip: ORIGIN = “Original Route Source.”

31. What is the BGP LOCAL_PREF attribute?

Answer: Indicates the preferred path within an AS; higher is better.

Scenario: A route with LOCAL_PREF 200 is chosen over 100.
Memory Tip: LOCAL_PREF = “Local Preference Pick.”

32. What is the BGP MED attribute?

Answer: Multi-Exit Discriminator, influences path selection between ASes; lower is better.
Scenario: An ISP prefers a route with MED 50 over 100.
Memory Tip: MED = “Minimize Exit Decision.”

33. What is the BGP WEIGHT attribute?

Answer: A Cisco-specific attribute to prefer routes; higher is better, local to the router.
Scenario: Set WEIGHT 1000 to prefer a route on one router.
Memory Tip: WEIGHT = “Winning Edge for Internal.”

34. What is the BGP best path selection process?

Answer: Steps include highest WEIGHT, LOCAL_PREF, shortest AS_PATH, lowest MED, etc.
Scenario: A router chooses a route based on these criteria in order.
Memory Tip: “We Love Only Short Paths, Mind Exit” (WEIGHT, LOCAL_PREF, ORIGIN,
AS_PATH, MED, etc.).

35. What is the command to advertise a network in BGP?

Answer: network <ip-address> mask <subnet-mask>.

Scenario: Advertise 192.168.1.0/24: network 192.168.1.0 mask 255.255.255.0.
Memory Tip: “Network = Notify BGP of Subnet.”

36. What is BGP synchronization?

Answer: Requires iBGP routes to be in the IGP (e.g., OSPF) before advertising to eBGP.
Scenario: Rarely used today; disabled by default.
Memory Tip: Sync = “Sync IGP with BGP.”

37. How do you disable BGP synchronization?

Answer: Use no synchronization under BGP.

Scenario: Disable sync: no synchronization.
Memory Tip: “No Sync = No IGP Needed.”
38. What is the BGP router ID?

Answer: A unique identifier for a BGP router, typically the highest loopback IP.
Scenario: A router with loopback 1.1.1.1 uses it as its BGP ID.
Memory Tip: Router ID = “Router’s Identity.”

39. How do you set the BGP router ID manually?

Answer: Use bgp router-id <ip-address>.

Scenario: Set ID to 1.1.1.1: bgp router-id 1.1.1.1.
Memory Tip: “BGP Router-ID = Build Router Identity.”

40. What is the command to verify BGP neighbors?

Answer: show ip bgp neighbors.

Scenario: Check if a neighbor at 192.168.1.2 is Established.
Memory Tip: “Show Neighbors = See BGP Pals.”

41. What is the command to verify BGP routes?

Answer: show ip bgp.

Scenario: View all routes learned via BGP.
Memory Tip: “Show BGP = See BGP Paths.”

42. What is a BGP route reflector?

Answer: A router that reflects iBGP routes to other iBGP routers, reducing full-mesh needs.
Scenario: A central router reflects routes to avoid iBGP full mesh.
Memory Tip: Reflector = “Route Mirror.”

43. How do you configure a BGP route reflector?

Answer: Use neighbor <ip-address> route-reflector-client.

Scenario: Set a neighbor as a client: neighbor 192.168.1.2 route-reflector-client.
Memory Tip: “Reflector-Client = Relay Client Routes.”

44. What is a BGP confederation?

Answer: Divides a large AS into smaller sub-ASes to reduce iBGP full-mesh complexity.
Scenario: An ISP splits AS 65000 into sub-ASes 65001 and 65002.
Memory Tip: Confederation = “Coalition of ASes.”

45. How do you configure a BGP confederation?

Answer: Use bgp confederation identifier <main-as> and bgp confederation peers <sub-
as>.
Scenario: Set confederation: bgp confederation identifier 65000, bgp confederation peers
65001.
Memory Tip: “Confederation = Combine Fake ASes.”

46. What is the BGP full-mesh requirement?

Answer: All iBGP routers must be fully meshed to share routes.

Scenario: Four iBGP routers need 6 sessions (n*(n-1)/2).
Memory Tip: Full-Mesh = “Fully Connected iBGP.”

47. What is a BGP peer group?

Answer: A group of neighbors sharing the same BGP policies to simplify configuration.
Scenario: Apply the same policy to all ISP neighbors.
Memory Tip: Peer Group = “Pals with Equal Rules.”

48. How do you configure a BGP peer group?

Answer: Use neighbor <group-name> peer-group and apply to neighbors.

Scenario: Create group ISP: neighbor ISP peer-group, neighbor 192.168.1.2 peer-group ISP.
Memory Tip: “Peer-Group = Policy for Pals.”

49. What is BGP route aggregation?

Answer: Summarizes multiple specific routes into a single route.

Scenario: Aggregate 192.168.1.0/24 and 192.168.2.0/24 into 192.168.0.0/22.
Memory Tip: Aggregate = “Add Routes Together.”

50. How do you configure BGP route aggregation?

Answer: Use aggregate-address <ip-address> <mask> [summary-only].

Scenario: Aggregate: aggregate-address 192.168.0.0 255.255.252.0 summary-only.
Memory Tip: “Aggregate = Announce Grouped Routes.”

51. What is the BGP community attribute?

Answer: A tag attached to routes for applying policies (e.g., NO_EXPORT).

Scenario: Tag a route to prevent it from leaving an AS.
Memory Tip: Community = “Club for Route Rules.”

52. How do you configure a BGP community?

Answer: Use neighbor <ip> send-community and a route-map to set communities.

Scenario: Set community 100:1: route-map SET_COMMUNITY permit 10, set community
100:1.
Memory Tip: “Send-Community = Share Club Tags.”

53. What is the BGP NO_EXPORT community?

Answer: Prevents a route from being advertised outside the AS.
Scenario: A route tagged NO_EXPORT stays within the ISP.
Memory Tip: NO_EXPORT = “No External Sharing.”

54. What is the BGP NO_ADVERTISE community?

Answer: Prevents a route from being advertised to any neighbor.

Scenario: A route tagged NO_ADVERTISE is only used locally.
Memory Tip: NO_ADVERTISE = “No Announcements.”

55. What is the BGP LOCAL_AS community?

Answer: Prevents a route from being advertised to eBGP neighbors in the same
confederation.
Scenario: Used in confederations to limit route scope.
Memory Tip: LOCAL_AS = “Local AS Only.”

56. What is BGP authentication?

Answer: Secures BGP sessions using MD5 passwords.

Scenario: Prevent unauthorized routers from forming BGP sessions.
Memory Tip: Auth = “Access with Key.”

57. How do you configure BGP authentication?

Answer: Use neighbor <ip-address> password <password>.

Scenario: Set password “cisco”: neighbor 192.168.1.2 password cisco.
Memory Tip: “Password = Protect BGP Session.”

58. What is the BGP default route?

Answer: A route to 0.0.0.0/0, often advertised to provide internet access.

Scenario: An ISP sends a default route to a customer.
Memory Tip: Default = “Door to Everything.”

59. How do you advertise a BGP default route?

Answer: Use neighbor <ip-address> default-originate.

Scenario: Send default to 192.168.1.2: neighbor 192.168.1.2 default-originate.
Memory Tip: “Default-Originate = Deliver Internet.”

60. What is BGP route filtering?

Answer: Blocks specific routes from being advertised or received.

Scenario: Prevent a customer from receiving private IP routes.
Memory Tip: Filter = “Forbid Unwanted Routes.”
61. How do you configure BGP route filtering with a prefix list?

Answer: Use neighbor <ip-address> prefix-list <name> in|out.

Scenario: Block 10.0.0.0/8: neighbor 192.168.1.2 prefix-list BLOCK_PRIVATE in.
Memory Tip: “Prefix-List = Pick Routes to Allow.”

62. What is a BGP AS_PATH filter?

Answer: Filters routes based on the AS_PATH attribute.

Scenario: Block routes passing through AS 200.
Memory Tip: AS_PATH Filter = “Avoid Specific ASes.”

63. How do you configure a BGP AS_PATH filter?

Answer: Use ip as-path access-list <number> <permit|deny> <regex> and apply with
neighbor <ip> filter-list <number> in|out.
Scenario: Deny AS 200: ip as-path access-list 1 deny _200_, neighbor 192.168.1.2 filter-list
1 in.
Memory Tip: “AS_PATH = Analyze AS Sequence.”

64. What is a BGP route map?

Answer: A policy tool to manipulate or filter BGP routes.

Scenario: Set LOCAL_PREF for specific routes.
Memory Tip: Route-Map = “Route Modifier.”

65. How do you configure a BGP route map?

Answer: Use route-map <name> permit|deny <sequence> and apply with neighbor <ip>
route-map <name> in|out.
Scenario: Set LOCAL_PREF 200: route-map SET_PREF permit 10, set local-preference 200,
neighbor 192.168.1.2 route-map SET_PREF in.
Memory Tip: “Route-Map = Rule for Routes.”

66. What is BGP soft reconfiguration?

Answer: Allows reapplying policies without resetting the BGP session.

Scenario: Update filters without dropping the neighbor.
Memory Tip: Soft = “Smooth Policy Update.”

67. How do you perform BGP soft reconfiguration?

Answer: Use neighbor <ip-address> soft-reconfiguration inbound and clear ip bgp <ip-
address> soft in|out.
Scenario: Reapply filters: clear ip bgp 192.168.1.2 soft in.
Memory Tip: “Soft Clear = Subtle Refresh.”
68. What is BGP clear command?

Answer: Resets BGP sessions or reapplies policies.

Scenario: Reset a stuck neighbor session.
Memory Tip: Clear = “Clean BGP Slate.”

69. How do you clear a BGP session?

Answer: Use clear ip bgp <ip-address> or clear ip bgp *.

Scenario: Reset neighbor 192.168.1.2: clear ip bgp 192.168.1.2.
Memory Tip: “Clear BGP = Cut Connection.”

70. What is BGP maximum-prefix?

Answer: Limits the number of prefixes a neighbor can send.

Scenario: Prevent a neighbor from overwhelming the router.
Memory Tip: Max-Prefix = “Maximum Prefix Protection.”

71. How do you configure BGP maximum-prefix?

Answer: Use neighbor <ip-address> maximum-prefix <number>.

Scenario: Limit to 1000 prefixes: neighbor 192.168.1.2 maximum-prefix 1000.
Memory Tip: “Max-Prefix = Monitor Prefixes.”

72. What is BGP next-hop-self?

Answer: Sets the router as the NEXT_HOP for iBGP routes.

Scenario: Ensure iBGP routers use the local router as the next hop.
Memory Tip: Next-Hop-Self = “Nominate Self as Next.”

73. How do you configure BGP next-hop-self?

Answer: Use neighbor <ip-address> next-hop-self.

Scenario: Set for 192.168.1.2: neighbor 192.168.1.2 next-hop-self.
Memory Tip: “Next-Hop-Self = Name Me Next.”

74. What is BGP update-source?

Answer: Specifies the interface IP for BGP sessions.

Scenario: Use a loopback for stable BGP sessions.
Memory Tip: Update-Source = “Use Specific Origin.”

75. How do you configure BGP update-source?

Answer: Use neighbor <ip-address> update-source <interface>.

Scenario: Use Loopback0: neighbor 192.168.1.2 update-source Loopback0.
Memory Tip: “Update-Source = Use Loopback.”
76. What is BGP multihop?

Answer: Allows eBGP sessions between non-directly connected routers.

Scenario: Two routers separated by another router use multihop.
Memory Tip: Multihop = “Multiple Hops Okay.”

77. How do you configure BGP multihop?

Answer: Use neighbor <ip-address> ebgp-multihop <hops>.

Scenario: Allow 2 hops: neighbor 192.168.1.2 ebgp-multihop 2.
Memory Tip: “Multihop = More Hops Permitted.”

78. What is BGP loop prevention?

Answer: BGP prevents loops by rejecting routes with its own AS in the AS_PATH.
Scenario: A router drops a route if its AS number appears in AS_PATH.
Memory Tip: Loop Prevention = “Look for Own AS.”

79. What is BGP route refresh?

Answer: Requests a neighbor to resend its routing table without resetting the session.
Scenario: Update routes after a policy change.
Memory Tip: Route Refresh = “Request Route Resend.”

80. How do you perform BGP route refresh?

Answer: Use clear ip bgp <ip-address> soft in.

Scenario: Refresh routes from 192.168.1.2: clear ip bgp 192.168.1.2 soft in.
Memory Tip: “Soft In = Seek Fresh Routes.”

81. What is BGP split horizon?

Answer: iBGP routes learned from one iBGP neighbor are not advertised to another iBGP
neighbor.
Scenario: Prevents loops within an AS.
Memory Tip: Split Horizon = “Stop Internal Sharing.”

82. What is BGP route dampening?

Answer: Suppresses unstable routes to prevent frequent updates.

Scenario: A flapping route is temporarily ignored.
Memory Tip: Dampening = “Diminish Route Drama.”

83. How do you configure BGP route dampening?

Answer: Use bgp dampening <half-life> <reuse> <suppress> <max-suppress-time>.
Scenario: Enable dampening: bgp dampening 15 750 2000 60.
Memory Tip: “Dampening = Defuse Flapping Routes.”

84. What is BGP redistribution?

Answer: Injects routes from another protocol (e.g., OSPF) into BGP.
Scenario: Share OSPF routes with an eBGP neighbor.
Memory Tip: Redistribute = “Relay Different Routes.”

85. How do you configure BGP redistribution?

Answer: Use redistribute <protocol> under BGP.

Scenario: Redistribute OSPF: redistribute ospf 1.
Memory Tip: “Redistribute = Route Import.”

86. What is BGP prefix list?

Answer: A filter to permit or deny specific IP prefixes.

Scenario: Allow only 192.168.1.0/24 from a neighbor.
Memory Tip: Prefix-List = “Pick Prefixes.”

87. How do you configure a BGP prefix list?

Answer: Use ip prefix-list <name> permit|deny <prefix/len> and apply with neighbor <ip>
prefix-list <name> in|out.
Scenario: Allow 192.168.1.0/24: ip prefix-list ALLOW permit 192.168.1.0/24, neighbor
192.168.1.2 prefix-list ALLOW in.
Memory Tip: “Prefix-List = Permit Prefixes.”

88. What is BGP local-as?

Answer: Allows a router to appear as a different AS to a neighbor.

Scenario: Show AS 65001 to a neighbor instead of 65000.
Memory Tip: Local-AS = “Lie About System.”

89. How do you configure BGP local-as?

Answer: Use neighbor <ip-address> local-as <as-number>.

Scenario: Set local AS 65001: neighbor 192.168.1.2 local-as 65001.
Memory Tip: “Local-AS = Local AS Lie.”

90. What is BGP remove-private-as?

Answer: Removes private AS numbers from the AS_PATH when advertising to eBGP.
Scenario: Strip AS 64512 from routes sent to an ISP.
Memory Tip: Remove-Private = “Rid Private ASes.”
91. How do you configure BGP remove-private-as?

Answer: Use neighbor <ip-address> remove-private-as.

Scenario: Remove private AS: neighbor 192.168.1.2 remove-private-as.
Memory Tip: “Remove-Private = Rub Out Private.”

92. What is BGP allowas-in?

Answer: Allows routes with the router’s own AS in the AS_PATH.

Scenario: Used in VPNs to accept routes from the same AS.
Memory Tip: Allowas-In = “Accept Local AS.”

93. How do you configure BGP allowas-in?

Answer: Use neighbor <ip-address> allowas-in <count>.

Scenario: Allow AS twice: neighbor 192.168.1.2 allowas-in 2.
Memory Tip: “Allowas-In = Admit Own AS.”

94. What is BGP graceful restart?

Answer: Maintains forwarding during a BGP restart to avoid traffic disruption.

Scenario: Upgrade a router without dropping sessions.
Memory Tip: Graceful = “Gentle Restart.”

95. How do you configure BGP graceful restart?

Answer: Use bgp graceful-restart.

Scenario: Enable restart: bgp graceful-restart.
Memory Tip: “Graceful-Restart = Glide Through Restart.”

96. What is BGP fast-external-fallover?

Answer: Quickly tears down eBGP sessions when a link fails.

Scenario: Drop a neighbor session if the interface goes down.
Memory Tip: Fast-Fallover = “Fast Failure Fix.”

97. How do you configure BGP fast-external-fallover?

Answer: Use bgp fast-external-fallover.

Scenario: Enable fallover: bgp fast-external-fallover.
Memory Tip: “Fast-Fallover = Swift Session Stop.”

98. What is BGP update delay?

Answer: Delays route advertisements to stabilize the routing table.

Scenario: Wait before sending updates after a restart.
Memory Tip: Update-Delay = “Update, Don’t Rush.”
99. How do you configure BGP update delay?

Answer: Use bgp update-delay <seconds>.

Scenario: Set delay to 120 seconds: bgp update-delay 120.
Memory Tip: “Update-Delay = Wait Before Wave.”

100. What is BGP table version?

Answer: A counter tracking changes in the BGP table.

Scenario: A higher table version indicates recent updates.
Memory Tip: Table Version = “Track Table Changes.”

Intermediate BGP Questions (100 Questions)

These questions build on basic concepts, introducing more complex scenarios and
configurations.

101. What is BGP route reflector clustering?

Answer: Groups route reflectors to avoid loops in iBGP.

Scenario: Multiple reflectors in an AS use the same cluster ID.
Memory Tip: Cluster = “Club of Reflectors.”

102. How do you configure BGP route reflector clustering?

Answer: Use bgp cluster-id <id>.

Scenario: Set cluster ID 1.1.1.1: bgp cluster-id 1.1.1.1.
Memory Tip: “Cluster-ID = Club Identity.”

103. What is BGP confederation loop prevention?

Answer: Uses confederation sub-AS numbers in AS_PATH to prevent loops.

Scenario: A route with sub-AS 65001 is rejected if seen again.
Memory Tip: Confederation Loop = “Check Sub-AS Path.”

104. What is BGP route flap?

Answer: A route repeatedly appears and disappears, causing instability.

Scenario: A flapping link causes frequent BGP updates.
Memory Tip: Flap = “Flickering Route.”

105. How do you troubleshoot BGP route flap?

Answer: Check link stability, dampening, and use debug ip bgp updates.
Scenario: Use debug ip bgp updates to spot flaps.
Memory Tip: “Debug Updates = Detect Flaps.”
106. What is BGP conditional advertisement?

Answer: Advertises routes only if a condition (e.g., route exists) is met.

Scenario: Advertise 192.168.1.0/24 only if 10.0.0.0/8 exists.
Memory Tip: Conditional = “Cautious Route Ad.”

107. How do you configure BGP conditional advertisement?

Answer: Use neighbor <ip> advertise-map <route-map> non-exist-map <route-map>.

Scenario: Configure conditional ad: neighbor 192.168.1.2 advertise-map ADVERTISE non-
exist-map CHECK.
Memory Tip: “Advertise-Map = Ad with Rules.”

108. What is BGP outbound route filtering (ORF)?

Answer: Allows a router to send prefix filters to a neighbor to reduce updates.

Scenario: A router tells its neighbor to send only specific prefixes.
Memory Tip: ORF = “Outbound Route Filter.”

109. How do you configure BGP ORF?

Answer: Use neighbor <ip> capability orf prefix-list [send|receive].

Scenario: Enable ORF: neighbor 192.168.1.2 capability orf prefix-list send.
Memory Tip: “ORF = Optimize Route Flow.”

110. What is BGP prefix-based filtering?

Answer: Filters routes based on IP prefixes using prefix lists.

Scenario: Block 172.16.0.0/12 from a neighbor.
Memory Tip: Prefix-Filter = “Pick Prefixes Out.”

111. How do you configure BGP prefix-based filtering?

Answer: Use ip prefix-list <name> permit|deny <prefix/len> and neighbor <ip> prefix-list
<name> in|out.
Scenario: Deny 172.16.0.0/12: ip prefix-list DENY_PRIVATE deny 172.16.0.0/12, neighbor
192.168.1.2 prefix-list DENY_PRIVATE in.
Memory Tip: “Prefix-List = Permit or Prohibit.”

112. What is BGP community-based filtering?

Answer: Filters routes based on community attributes.

Scenario: Block routes with community 100:1.
Memory Tip: Community-Filter = “Club-Based Cut.”

113. How do you configure BGP community-based filtering?

Answer: Use a route-map to match communities and apply with neighbor <ip> route-map
<name> in|out.
Scenario: Deny community 100:1: route-map DENY_COMMUNITY deny 10, match
community 100:1.
Memory Tip: “Route-Map = Rule by Community.”

114. What is BGP extended community?

Answer: An extended attribute for advanced policies, like VPN route targets.
Scenario: Used in MPLS VPNs to control route distribution.
Memory Tip: Extended Community = “Extra Club Rules.”

115. How do you configure BGP extended community?

Answer: Use set extcommunity <type> <value> in a route-map.

Scenario: Set route target 100:1: route-map SET_EXT set extcommunity rt 100:1.
Memory Tip: “Extcommunity = Expanded Club Tag.”

116. What is BGP route target?

Answer: An extended community used in MPLS VPNs to control route import/export.

Scenario: A VRF imports routes with route target 100:1.
Memory Tip: Route Target = “Route’s Ticket.”

117. How do you configure BGP route target?

Answer: Use route-target import|export <value> in VRF configuration.

Scenario: Import 100:1: route-target import 100:1.
Memory Tip: “Route-Target = Route’s Travel Pass.”

118. What is BGP weight manipulation?

Answer: Sets the WEIGHT attribute to influence local path selection.

Scenario: Prefer a route from one neighbor over another.
Memory Tip: Weight = “Winning Path Choice.”

119. How do you configure BGP weight?

Answer: Use neighbor <ip> weight <value> or a route-map.

Scenario: Set weight 1000: neighbor 192.168.1.2 weight 1000.
Memory Tip: “Weight = Win with Priority.”

120. What is BGP local preference manipulation?

Answer: Sets LOCAL_PREF to influence path selection within an AS.

Scenario: Prefer one ISP over another for outbound traffic.
Memory Tip: Local-Pref = “Local Path Pick.”
121. How do you configure BGP local preference?

Answer: Use set local-preference <value> in a route-map.

Scenario: Set LOCAL_PREF 200: route-map SET_PREF permit 10, set local-preference 200.
Memory Tip: “Local-Pref = Lead Path Choice.”

122. What is BGP MED manipulation?

Answer: Sets MED to influence path selection by other ASes.

Scenario: Make one link less preferred by setting a higher MED.
Memory Tip: MED = “Manage External Decision.”

123. How do you configure BGP MED?

Answer: Use set metric <value> in a route-map.

Scenario: Set MED 50: route-map SET_MED permit 10, set metric 50.
Memory Tip: “Metric = Manipulate Exit.”

124. What is BGP AS_PATH prepending?

Answer: Adds the local AS multiple times to the AS_PATH to make a route less preferred.
Scenario: Prepend AS to influence inbound traffic.
Memory Tip: Prepend = “Pad AS_PATH.”

125. How do you configure BGP AS_PATH prepending?

Answer: Use set as-path prepend <as-number> in a route-map.

Scenario: Prepend AS 100 twice: route-map PREPEND permit 10, set as-path prepend 100
100.
Memory Tip: “Prepend = Prolong AS_PATH.”

126. What is BGP route aggregation with suppress-map?

Answer: Suppresses specific routes within an aggregate.

Scenario: Aggregate 192.168.0.0/22 but suppress 192.168.1.0/24.
Memory Tip: Suppress-Map = “Silence Specific Subnets.”

127. How do you configure BGP suppress-map?

Answer: Use aggregate-address <ip> <mask> suppress-map <route-map>.

Scenario: Suppress 192.168.1.0/24: aggregate-address 192.168.0.0 255.255.252.0
suppress-map SUPPRESS.
Memory Tip: “Suppress-Map = Stop Subnet Spread.”

128. What is BGP route aggregation with unsuppress-map?

Answer: Allows specific suppressed routes to be advertised to certain neighbors.
Scenario: Unsuppress 192.168.1.0/24 for one neighbor.
Memory Tip: Unsuppress-Map = “Unblock Specific Subnets.”

129. How do you configure BGP unsuppress-map?

Answer: Use neighbor <ip> unsuppress-map <route-map>.

Scenario: Unsuppress for 192.168.1.2: neighbor 192.168.1.2 unsuppress-map
UNSUPPRESS.
Memory Tip: “Unsuppress = Unleash Subnets.”

130. What is BGP maximum paths?

Answer: Allows multiple paths for load balancing in BGP.

Scenario: Use two equal-cost paths to a destination.
Memory Tip: Max-Paths = “Multiple Parallel Paths.”

131. How do you configure BGP maximum paths?

Answer: Use maximum-paths <number> under BGP.

Scenario: Allow 4 paths: maximum-paths 4.
Memory Tip: “Max-Paths = More Paths Okay.”

132. What is BGP route refresh capability?

Answer: Allows dynamic route refresh without soft reconfiguration.

Scenario: Request updated routes after a policy change.
Memory Tip: Route-Refresh = “Request Route Reload.”

133. How do you enable BGP route refresh capability?

Answer: Enabled by default; use neighbor <ip> capability dynamic.

Scenario: Enable for 192.168.1.2: neighbor 192.168.1.2 capability dynamic.
Memory Tip: “Capability = Can Refresh Routes.”

134. What is BGP peer session template?

Answer: A template to apply common BGP session settings to multiple neighbors.

Scenario: Apply the same timers to all ISP neighbors.
Memory Tip: Session Template = “Shared Session Settings.”

135. How do you configure a BGP peer session template?

Answer: Use template peer-session <name> and inherit with neighbor <ip> inherit peer-
session <name>.
Scenario: Create template: template peer-session ISP, neighbor 192.168.1.2 inherit peer-
session ISP.
Memory Tip: “Template = Tidy Neighbor Config.”

136. What is BGP peer policy template?

Answer: A template to apply common BGP policies to multiple neighbors.

Scenario: Apply the same route-map to all customers.
Memory Tip: Policy Template = “Shared Policy Settings.”

137. How do you configure a BGP peer policy template?

Answer: Use template peer-policy <name> and inherit with neighbor <ip> inherit peer-
policy <name>.
Scenario: Create policy: template peer-policy CUSTOMER, neighbor 192.168.1.2 inherit
peer-policy CUSTOMER.
Memory Tip: “Policy Template = Predefined Policy Pack.”

138. What is BGP next-hop tracking?

Answer: Tracks NEXT_HOP reachability to quickly invalidate routes.

Scenario: Drop a route if its NEXT_HOP becomes unreachable.
Memory Tip: Next-Hop Track = “Next-Hop Tester.”

139. How do you configure BGP next-hop tracking?

Answer: Enabled by default; adjust with bgp nexthop trigger delay <seconds>.
Scenario: Set delay to 5 seconds: bgp nexthop trigger delay 5.
Memory Tip: “Nexthop Trigger = Track Next-Hop.”

140. What is BGP prefix-list sequence numbers?

Answer: Assigns sequence numbers to prefix-list entries for order and editing.
Scenario: Insert a new rule without rewriting the list.
Memory Tip: Sequence = “Sorted Prefix Rules.”

141. How do you configure BGP prefix-list sequence numbers?

Answer: Use ip prefix-list <name> seq <number> permit|deny <prefix/len>.

Scenario: Add rule: ip prefix-list ALLOW seq 10 permit 192.168.1.0/24.
Memory Tip: “Seq = Sequence for Simplicity.”

142. What is BGP soft reset?

Answer: Reapplies policies without dropping the session.

Scenario: Update filters without disrupting traffic.
Memory Tip: Soft Reset = “Subtle Route Refresh.”
143. How do you perform BGP soft reset?

Answer: Use clear ip bgp <ip-address> soft [in|out].

Scenario: Soft reset inbound: clear ip bgp 192.168.1.2 soft in.
Memory Tip: “Soft Clear = Smooth Policy Swap.”

144. What is BGP route map continue?

Answer: Allows a route-map to continue to the next sequence after a match.

Scenario: Apply multiple policies to a single route.
Memory Tip: Continue = “Carry On with Rules.”

145. How do you configure BGP route map continue?

Answer: Use continue <sequence> in a route-map.

Scenario: Continue to seq 20: route-map SET_PREF permit 10, set local-preference 200,
continue 20.
Memory Tip: “Continue = Chain Route Rules.”

146. What is BGP deterministic MED?

Answer: Ensures consistent MED comparison across routes.

Scenario: Avoids random path selection due to route arrival order.
Memory Tip: Deterministic = “Decide MED Definitively.”

147. How do you configure BGP deterministic MED?

Answer: Use bgp deterministic-med.

Scenario: Enable: bgp deterministic-med.
Memory Tip: “Deterministic = Definite MED Choice.”

148. What is BGP always-compare-med?

Answer: Compares MED across all routes, even from different ASes.
Scenario: Choose a route with lower MED regardless of AS.
Memory Tip: Always-Compare = “All MEDs Matter.”

149. How do you configure BGP always-compare-med?

Answer: Use bgp always-compare-med.

Scenario: Enable: bgp always-compare-med.
Memory Tip: “Always-Compare = All MEDs Count.”

150. What is BGP bestpath as-path ignore?

Answer: Ignores AS_PATH length in best path selection.
Scenario: Useful in specific scenarios to prioritize other attributes.
Memory Tip: Ignore AS_PATH = “Avoid Path Length.”

151. How do you configure BGP bestpath as-path ignore?

Answer: Use bgp bestpath as-path ignore.

Scenario: Enable: bgp bestpath as-path ignore.
Memory Tip: “Bestpath Ignore = Bypass Path Count.”

152. What is BGP bestpath med missing-as-worst?

Answer: Treats routes without MED as having the highest (worst) MED.
Scenario: Ensures routes with no MED are less preferred.
Memory Tip: Missing-MED = “Missing is Worst.”

153. How do you configure BGP bestpath med missing-as-worst?

Answer: Use bgp bestpath med missing-as-worst.

Scenario: Enable: bgp bestpath med missing-as-worst.
Memory Tip: “Missing-Worst = MED None is Bad.”

154. What is BGP fast peering session deactivation?

Answer: Quickly deactivates a BGP session if the peer becomes unreachable.

Scenario: Drop a session if the neighbor’s IP is down.
Memory Tip: Fast Deactivation = “Fast Drop if Down.”

155. How do you configure BGP fast peering session deactivation?

Answer: Use neighbor <ip> fall-over.

Scenario: Enable for 192.168.1.2: neighbor 192.168.1.2 fall-over.
Memory Tip: “Fall-Over = Fast Failure Drop.”

156. What is BGP prefix-list with ge/le?

Answer: Filters prefixes based on prefix length (greater than or equal, less than or equal).
Scenario: Allow prefixes between /24 and /26.
Memory Tip: GE/LE = “Greater/Lesser Length.”

157. How do you configure BGP prefix-list with ge/le?

Answer: Use ip prefix-list <name> permit <prefix/len> ge <value> le <value>.

Scenario: Allow /24 to /26: ip prefix-list ALLOW permit 192.168.0.0/16 ge 24 le 26.
Memory Tip: “GE/LE = Gauge Length Exactly.”

158. What is BGP route-map match clause?

Answer: Matches specific route attributes (e.g., prefix, community) in a route-map.
Scenario: Match routes with community 100:1.
Memory Tip: Match = “Meet Route Criteria.”

159. How do you configure BGP route-map match clause?

Answer: Use match <attribute> in a route-map.

Scenario: Match community: route-map MATCH permit 10, match community 100:1.
Memory Tip: “Match = Mark Matching Routes.”

160. What is BGP route-map set clause?

Answer: Sets attributes (e.g., LOCAL_PREF, MED) for matched routes.

Scenario: Set LOCAL_PREF for specific routes.
Memory Tip: Set = “Shape Route Attributes.”

161. How do you configure BGP route-map set clause?

Answer: Use set <attribute> <value> in a route-map.

Scenario: Set LOCAL_PREF 200: route-map SET permit 10, set local-preference 200.
Memory Tip: “Set = Specify Route Settings.”

162. What is BGP neighbor advertisement-interval?

Answer: Sets the minimum interval between BGP advertisements.

Scenario: Reduce update frequency for stability.
Memory Tip: Ad-Interval = “Ad Delay Time.”

163. How do you configure BGP neighbor advertisement-interval?

Answer: Use neighbor <ip> advertisement-interval <seconds>.

Scenario: Set to 5 seconds: neighbor 192.168.1.2 advertisement-interval 5.
Memory Tip: “Ad-Interval = Adjust Ad Timing.”

164. What is BGP neighbor timers?

Answer: Sets custom KEEPALIVE and hold timers for a neighbor.

Scenario: Adjust timers for a low-bandwidth link.
Memory Tip: Timers = “Tune Session Timing.”

165. How do you configure BGP neighbor timers?

Answer: Use neighbor <ip> timers <keepalive> <holdtime>.

Scenario: Set 30/90: neighbor 192.168.1.2 timers 30 90.
Memory Tip: “Timers = Tweak Keepalive/Hold.”

166. What is BGP neighbor description?

Answer: Adds a text description to a BGP neighbor for documentation.
Scenario: Label a neighbor as “ISP1” for clarity.
Memory Tip: Description = “Detail Neighbor.”

167. How do you configure BGP neighbor description?

Answer: Use neighbor <ip> description <text>.

Scenario: Describe 192.168.1.2: neighbor 192.168.1.2 description ISP1.
Memory Tip: “Description = Document Neighbor.”

168. What is BGP neighbor shutdown?

Answer: Disables a BGP neighbor without removing its configuration.

Scenario: Temporarily disable a problematic neighbor.
Memory Tip: Shutdown = “Switch Off Neighbor.”

169. How do you configure BGP neighbor shutdown?

Answer: Use neighbor <ip> shutdown.

Scenario: Shutdown 192.168.1.2: neighbor 192.168.1.2 shutdown.
Memory Tip: “Shutdown = Stop Neighbor.”

170. What is BGP neighbor capability negotiation?

Answer: Negotiates features like route refresh or 4-byte ASN with a neighbor.
Scenario: Ensure both routers support route refresh.
Memory Tip: Capability = “Can-Do Features.”

171. How do you configure BGP capability negotiation?

Answer: Enabled by default; explicitly set with neighbor <ip> capability <feature>.
Scenario: Enable route refresh: neighbor 192.168.1.2 capability dynamic.
Memory Tip: “Capability = Confirm Features.”

172. What is BGP route aggregation with attribute-map?

Answer: Sets attributes (e.g., community) for an aggregate route.

Scenario: Add community to an aggregated route.
Memory Tip: Attribute-Map = “Add Traits to Aggregate.”

173. How do you configure BGP attribute-map?

Answer: Use aggregate-address <ip> <mask> attribute-map <route-map>.

Scenario: Set community: aggregate-address 192.168.0.0 255.255.252.0 attribute-map
SET_COMMUNITY.
Memory Tip: “Attribute-Map = Attach to Aggregate.”
174. What is BGP route aggregation with as-set?

Answer: Includes the AS_PATH of aggregated routes to avoid loops.

Scenario: Aggregate routes while preserving AS_PATH info.
Memory Tip: AS-Set = “ASes in Summary.”

175. How do you configure BGP as-set?

Answer: Use aggregate-address <ip> <mask> as-set.

Scenario: Enable as-set: aggregate-address 192.168.0.0 255.255.252.0 as-set.
Memory Tip: “AS-Set = Aggregate Saves ASes.”

176. What is BGP neighbor weight default?

Answer: Sets a default WEIGHT for all routes from a neighbor.

Scenario: Prefer all routes from one ISP.
Memory Tip: Weight Default = “Whole Neighbor Preference.”

177. How do you configure BGP neighbor weight default?

Answer: Use neighbor <ip> weight <value>.

Scenario: Set weight 1000: neighbor 192.168.1.2 weight 1000.
Memory Tip: “Weight = Win Neighbor Routes.”

178. What is BGP neighbor filter-list?

Answer: Filters routes based on AS_PATH using an AS-path access-list.

Scenario: Block routes from AS 200.
Memory Tip: Filter-List = “Filter by AS Path.”

179. How do you configure BGP neighbor filter-list?

Answer: Use neighbor <ip> filter-list <number> in|out.

Scenario: Deny AS 200: neighbor 192.168.1.2 filter-list 1 in.
Memory Tip: “Filter-List = Fence AS Paths.”

180. What is BGP neighbor distribute-list?

Answer: Filters routes based on access-lists.

Scenario: Allow only specific prefixes from a neighbor.
Memory Tip: Distribute-List = “Divide Routes by List.”

181. How do you configure BGP neighbor distribute-list?

Answer: Use neighbor <ip> distribute-list <access-list> in|out.

Scenario: Allow 192.168.1.0/24: neighbor 192.168.1.2 distribute-list 10 in.
Memory Tip: “Distribute-List = Deliver Selected Routes.”
182. What is BGP neighbor prefix-list vs. distribute-list?

Answer: Prefix-list is more precise for prefixes; distribute-list uses ACLs for broader
matching.
Scenario: Use prefix-list for exact /24 prefixes, ACL for ranges.
Memory Tip: Prefix-List = “Precise,” Distribute-List = “Broad.”

183. What is BGP neighbor capability 4-byte ASN?

Answer: Allows negotiation of 4-byte AS numbers (beyond 65535).

Scenario: Connect to a neighbor using AS 4200000000.
Memory Tip: 4-Byte = “Big AS Numbers.”

184. How do you configure BGP 4-byte ASN?

Answer: Use bgp asnotation dot and standard neighbor commands.

Scenario: Enable 4-byte: bgp asnotation dot, neighbor 192.168.1.2 remote-as 4200000000.
Memory Tip: “Dot = Decode Big AS.”

185. What is BGP neighbor ttl-security?

Answer: Restricts BGP sessions to a specified TTL to prevent spoofing.

Scenario: Ensure neighbors are one hop away.
Memory Tip: TTL-Security = “Tighten TTL Limit.”

186. How do you configure BGP ttl-security?

Answer: Use neighbor <ip> ttl-security hops <value>.

Scenario: Set 1 hop: neighbor 192.168.1.2 ttl-security hops 1.
Memory Tip: “TTL-Security = Trust Only Close.”

187. What is BGP neighbor password mismatch?

Answer: Session fails due to different MD5 passwords.

Scenario: Router A has password “cisco,” Router B has “cisco123.”
Memory Tip: Password Mismatch = “Passcode Misalignment.”

188. How do you troubleshoot BGP password mismatch?

Answer: Verify passwords with show running-config and debug ip bgp.

Scenario: Use debug ip bgp to see authentication errors.
Memory Tip: “Debug BGP = Detect Password Problem.”

189. What is BGP neighbor stuck in Active?

Answer: Router is trying to establish a TCP session but failing.
Scenario: A firewall blocks TCP 179.
Memory Tip: Active = “Always Trying, Can’t Connect.”

190. How do you troubleshoot BGP neighbor stuck in Active?

Answer: Check TCP 179, ACLs, and use debug ip bgp.

Scenario: Use debug ip bgp to see TCP failures.
Memory Tip: “Debug BGP = Diagnose Active Issue.”

191. What is BGP neighbor stuck in Idle?

Answer: No attempt to connect, often due to misconfiguration or reachability.

Scenario: Wrong neighbor IP configured.
Memory Tip: Idle = “Inactive, Doing Nothing.”

192. How do you troubleshoot BGP neighbor stuck in Idle?

Answer: Verify neighbor IP, AS, and ping; use show ip bgp neighbors.
Scenario: Check config: show ip bgp neighbors.
Memory Tip: “Show Neighbors = Spot Idle Issue.”

193. What is BGP route blackholing?

Answer: A route points to a null interface, dropping packets.

Scenario: A misconfigured route sends traffic to Null0.
Memory Tip: Blackhole = “Broken Route, Lost Packets.”

194. How do you prevent BGP route blackholing?

Answer: Verify route validity and avoid null routes.

Scenario: Check show ip route for Null0 destinations.
Memory Tip: “Verify Routes = Vanquish Blackholes.”

195. What is BGP route oscillation?

Answer: Routes flap due to unstable links or policies.

Scenario: A flapping link causes frequent updates.
Memory Tip: Oscillation = “On-Off Route Swing.”

196. How do you troubleshoot BGP route oscillation?

Answer: Check link stability, dampening, and use debug ip bgp updates.
Scenario: Use debug ip bgp updates to spot oscillations.
Memory Tip: “Debug Updates = Detect Route Dance.”

197. What is BGP route feedback?

Answer: Routes learned via BGP are redistributed back into BGP, causing loops.
Scenario: OSPF routes redistributed into BGP are re-injected.
Memory Tip: Feedback = “Forbidden Route Return.”

198. How do you prevent BGP route feedback?

Answer: Use route tags or route-maps to filter redistributed routes.

Scenario: Tag OSPF routes: route-map TAG_OSPF set tag 100.
Memory Tip: “Tag = Track to Avoid Feedback.”

199. What is BGP prefix overload?

Answer: Too many prefixes overwhelm the router’s memory or CPU.

Scenario: A neighbor sends millions of prefixes.
Memory Tip: Overload = “Overwhelmed by Prefixes.”

200. How do you mitigate BGP prefix overload?

Answer: Use maximum-prefix, prefix-lists, or ORF.

Scenario: Limit prefixes: neighbor 192.168.1.2 maximum-prefix 1000.
Memory Tip: “Max-Prefix = Manage Prefix Surge.”

Advanced BGP Questions (100 Questions)

These questions dive into complex BGP scenarios, troubleshooting, and optimizations for
expert-level understanding.

201. What is BGP flowspec?

Answer: A BGP extension to distribute firewall rules for DDoS mitigation.

Scenario: Block specific traffic during an attack.
Memory Tip: Flowspec = “Flow-Specific Control.”

202. How do you configure BGP flowspec?

Answer: Use address-family flow and neighbor <ip> activate.

Scenario: Enable flowspec: address-family flow, neighbor 192.168.1.2 activate.
Memory Tip: “Flowspec = Filter Flow Rules.”

203. What is BGP ADD-PATH?

Answer: Allows advertising multiple paths for the same prefix.

Scenario: Improve load balancing by sending multiple paths.
Memory Tip: ADD-PATH = “Additional Paths Allowed.”

204. How do you configure BGP ADD-PATH?

Answer: Use neighbor <ip> add-path send|receive.
Scenario: Enable add-path: neighbor 192.168.1.2 add-path send.
Memory Tip: “Add-Path = Advertise Extra Paths.”

205. What is BGP diverse path?

Answer: Advertises a secondary, diverse path to avoid common failure points.

Scenario: Ensure backup paths don’t share links.
Memory Tip: Diverse Path = “Different Route Option.”

206. How do you configure BGP diverse path?

Answer: Use bgp additional-paths select backup and neighbor <ip> advertise diverse-path.
Scenario: Advertise diverse path: neighbor 192.168.1.2 advertise diverse-path.
Memory Tip: “Diverse Path = Distinct Path Choice.”

207. What is BGP PIC (Prefix Independent Convergence)?

Answer: Improves convergence by precomputing backup paths.

Scenario: Switch to a backup path instantly after a failure.
Memory Tip: PIC = “Precomputed Instant Convergence.”

208. How do you configure BGP PIC?

Answer: Use bgp additional-paths install and bgp recursion host.

Scenario: Enable PIC: bgp additional-paths install.
Memory Tip: “PIC = Plan Instant Change.”

209. What is BGP graceful shutdown?

Answer: Gradually removes a router from service to minimize disruption.

Scenario: Upgrade a router without dropping traffic.
Memory Tip: Graceful Shutdown = “Gentle Exit.”

210. How do you configure BGP graceful shutdown?

Answer: Use neighbor <ip> graceful-shutdown.

Scenario: Shutdown neighbor: neighbor 192.168.1.2 graceful-shutdown.
Memory Tip: “Graceful = Glide Out Smoothly.”

211. What is BGP route server?

Answer: A server that simplifies peering by reflecting routes without forwarding traffic.
Scenario: Used in internet exchange points (IXPs).
Memory Tip: Route Server = “Route Sharing Station.”

212. How do you configure a BGP route server?

Answer: Use neighbor <ip> route-server-client.
Scenario: Set client: neighbor 192.168.1.2 route-server-client.
Memory Tip: “Route-Server = Relay Routes Only.”

213. What is BGP ORF with community?

Answer: Filters prefixes based on communities sent by a neighbor.

Scenario: A neighbor sends a community to limit received prefixes.
Memory Tip: ORF Community = “Optimize Route by Club.”

214. How do you configure BGP ORF with community?

Answer: Use neighbor <ip> capability orf community send|receive.

Scenario: Enable ORF community: neighbor 192.168.1.2 capability orf community send.
Memory Tip: “ORF Community = Organize by Club.”

215. What is BGP route target constraint?

Answer: Limits VPN route distribution based on route targets.

Scenario: Reduce unnecessary VPN routes in MPLS.
Memory Tip: Route Target Constraint = “Restrict Route Tickets.”

216. How do you configure BGP route target constraint?

Answer: Use address-family rtfilter and neighbor <ip> activate.

Scenario: Enable: address-family rtfilter, neighbor 192.168.1.2 activate.
Memory Tip: “RTFilter = Reduce Ticket Flow.”

217. What is BGP multi-protocol BGP (MP-BGP)?

Answer: Extends BGP to support multiple address families (e.g., IPv6, VPNv4).
Scenario: Carry VPN routes in an MPLS network.
Memory Tip: MP-BGP = “Multi-Protocol BGP.”

218. How do you configure MP-BGP?

Answer: Use address-family <type> under BGP.

Scenario: Enable VPNv4: address-family vpnv4, neighbor 192.168.1.2 activate.
Memory Tip: “Address-Family = Add Protocol Support.”

219. What is BGP VPNv4?

Answer: An address family for MPLS VPN routes.

Scenario: Carry customer VPN routes between PE routers.
Memory Tip: VPNv4 = “VPN Version 4 Routes.”

220. How do you configure BGP VPNv4?

Answer: Use address-family vpnv4 and activate neighbors.
Scenario: Enable: address-family vpnv4, neighbor 192.168.1.2 activate.
Memory Tip: “VPNv4 = Virtual Private Network v4.”

221. What is BGP EVPN?

Answer: Ethernet VPN, a BGP-based solution for Layer 2/3 VPNs.

Scenario: Connect data centers with Layer 2 services.
Memory Tip: EVPN = “Ethernet VPN.”

222. How do you configure BGP EVPN?

Answer: Use address-family l2vpn evpn and activate neighbors.

Scenario: Enable: address-family l2vpn evpn, neighbor 192.168.1.2 activate.
Memory Tip: “EVPN = Ethernet Virtual Private Network.”

223. What is BGP route leak?

Answer: Unintended advertisement of routes between ASes or VPNs.

Scenario: A customer route is leaked to another customer.
Memory Tip: Route Leak = “Route Left Open.”

224. How do you prevent BGP route leaks?

Answer: Use route targets, communities, or filters.

Scenario: Filter routes with wrong route target.
Memory Tip: “Filter = Fix Route Leaks.”

225. What is BGP prefix hijacking?

Answer: Advertising someone else’s prefix to divert traffic.

Scenario: A malicious AS advertises 8.8.8.0/24.
Memory Tip: Hijack = “Hijacked Prefix.”

226. How do you prevent BGP prefix hijacking?

Answer: Use RPKI, prefix filters, and AS_PATH filters.

Scenario: Validate prefixes with RPKI.
Memory Tip: “RPKI = Reject Prefix Intrusion.”

227. What is BGP RPKI?

Answer: Resource Public Key Infrastructure, validates prefix ownership.

Scenario: Ensure a prefix belongs to the advertising AS.
Memory Tip: RPKI = “Route Prefix Key Integrity.”

228. How do you configure BGP RPKI?

Answer: Use bgp rpki server <ip> and enable validation.
Scenario: Connect to RPKI server: bgp rpki server 192.168.1.10.
Memory Tip: “RPKI = Route Protection Key.”

229. What is BGP route refresh storm?

Answer: Excessive route refresh requests overload the router.

Scenario: A misconfigured neighbor sends repeated refresh requests.
Memory Tip: Refresh Storm = “Route Request Surge.”

230. How do you mitigate BGP route refresh storm?

Answer: Use maximum-prefix or limit refresh frequency.

Scenario: Limit prefixes: neighbor 192.168.1.2 maximum-prefix 1000.
Memory Tip: “Max-Prefix = Manage Refresh Rush.”

231. What is BGP table overflow?

Answer: The BGP table grows too large, exhausting router resources.
Scenario: A neighbor sends the full internet table.
Memory Tip: Overflow = “Overloaded BGP Table.”

232. How do you mitigate BGP table overflow?

Answer: Use maximum-prefix, filters, or partial table.

Scenario: Limit to 1000 prefixes: neighbor 192.168.1.2 maximum-prefix 1000.
Memory Tip: “Max-Prefix = Minimize Table Size.”

233. What is BGP peer group vs. template?

Answer: Peer group applies to neighbors in the same AF; templates are reusable across
AFs.
Scenario: Use templates for complex multi-AF configs.
Memory Tip: Template = “Tweakable Multi-AF Rules.”

234. What is BGP conditional route injection?

Answer: Injects specific routes based on conditions.

Scenario: Inject 192.168.1.0/24 if 10.0.0.0/8 exists.
Memory Tip: Conditional Inject = “Cautious Route Insert.”

235. How do you configure BGP conditional route injection?

Answer: Use bgp inject-map <map> exist-map <map>.

Scenario: Inject route: bgp inject-map INJECT exist-map CHECK.
Memory Tip: “Inject-Map = Insert with Rules.”
236. What is BGP bestpath compare-routerid?

Answer: Uses Router ID as a tiebreaker in best path selection.

Scenario: Choose a route from the router with the lowest ID.
Memory Tip: Compare-RouterID = “Check Router ID.”

237. How do you configure BGP bestpath compare-routerid?

Answer: Use bgp bestpath compare-routerid.

Scenario: Enable: bgp bestpath compare-routerid.
Memory Tip: “Compare-RouterID = Choose by ID.”

238. What is BGP bestpath cost-community?

Answer: Uses a cost community to influence best path selection.

Scenario: Prefer a route based on a custom cost.
Memory Tip: Cost-Community = “Custom Cost Club.”

239. How do you configure BGP cost-community?

Answer: Use set community cost <value> in a route-map.

Scenario: Set cost 10: route-map SET_COST set community cost 10.
Memory Tip: “Cost-Community = Control Cost Club.”

240. What is BGP link bandwidth?

Answer: Allocates traffic based on link bandwidth for load balancing.

Scenario: Distribute traffic proportionally across links.
Memory Tip: Link Bandwidth = “Load by Bandwidth.”

241. How do you configure BGP link bandwidth?

Answer: Use neighbor <ip> dmzlink-bw and bgp dmzlink-bw.

Scenario: Enable: neighbor 192.168.1.2 dmzlink-bw, bgp dmzlink-bw.
Memory Tip: “DMZLink-BW = Distribute by Bandwidth.”

242. What is BGP multipath relax?

Answer: Allows multipath with different AS_PATHs.

Scenario: Load balance across paths from different ASes.
Memory Tip: Multipath Relax = “More Paths, Less Strict.”

243. How do you configure BGP multipath relax?

Answer: Use bgp bestpath as-path multipath-relax.

Scenario: Enable: bgp bestpath as-path multipath-relax.
Memory Tip: “Multipath Relax = Mix AS Paths.”
244. What is BGP fast session deactivation?

Answer: Quickly deactivates sessions for unreachable peers.

Scenario: Drop a session if the peer’s IP is down.
Memory Tip: Fast Deactivation = “Fast Drop for Down.”

245. How do you configure BGP fast session deactivation?

Answer: Use neighbor <ip> fall-over.

Scenario: Enable: neighbor 192.168.1.2 fall-over.
Memory Tip: “Fall-Over = Fast Failure Fix.”

246. What is BGP route flap dampening parameters?

Answer: Configures thresholds for suppressing flapping routes.

Scenario: Adjust dampening for sensitive networks.
Memory Tip: Dampening Params = “Define Flap Limits.”

247. How do you configure BGP dampening parameters?

Answer: Use bgp dampening <half-life> <reuse> <suppress> <max-suppress-time>.

Scenario: Set: bgp dampening 15 750 2000 60.
Memory Tip: “Dampening = Defuse Route Flaps.”

248. What is BGP route convergence?

Answer: The time taken for BGP to stabilize after a change.

Scenario: A link failure triggers route updates.
Memory Tip: Convergence = “Catch Up to Changes.”

249. How do you improve BGP convergence?

Answer: Use fast fallover, PIC, and optimized timers.

Scenario: Enable PIC: bgp additional-paths install.
Memory Tip: “PIC = Promote Instant Convergence.”

250. What is BGP prefix-list with regex?

Answer: Uses regular expressions to match prefixes in a prefix-list.

Scenario: Match all /24 prefixes.
Memory Tip: Regex = “Regular Expression Match.”

251. How do you configure BGP prefix-list with regex?

Answer: Use ip prefix-list <name> permit|deny <prefix/len> <regex>.

Scenario: Match /24: ip prefix-list MATCH_24 permit 0.0.0.0/0 ge 24 le 24.
Memory Tip: “Regex = Refine Prefix Match.”
252. What is BGP AS_PATH regex?

Answer: Uses regular expressions to match AS_PATHs.

Scenario: Filter routes passing through AS 200.
Memory Tip: AS_PATH Regex = “AS Pattern Match.”

253. How do you configure BGP AS_PATH regex?

Answer: Use ip as-path access-list <number> permit|deny <regex>.

Scenario: Deny AS 200: ip as-path access-list 1 deny _200_.
Memory Tip: “AS_PATH = Analyze Sequence Pattern.”

254. What is BGP peer group inheritance?

Answer: Allows peer groups to inherit settings from other groups or templates.
Scenario: Apply common settings to subgroups of neighbors.
Memory Tip: Inheritance = “Inherit Neighbor Rules.”

255. How do you configure BGP peer group inheritance?

Answer: Use inherit peer-session|peer-policy <name> in a template.

Scenario: Inherit: template peer-session SUBGROUP, inherit peer-session BASE.
Memory Tip: “Inherit = Import Neighbor Settings.”

256. What is BGP route reflector loop?

Answer: A loop caused by improper route reflector configuration.

Scenario: A route loops between reflectors due to missing cluster ID.
Memory Tip: Reflector Loop = “Reflected Route Circle.”

257. How do you prevent BGP route reflector loops?

Answer: Use unique cluster IDs and ORIGINATOR_ID.

Scenario: Set cluster ID: bgp cluster-id 1.1.1.1.
Memory Tip: “Cluster-ID = Clear Reflector Loops.”

258. What is BGP confederation loop?

Answer: A loop caused by improper sub-AS configuration.

Scenario: A route loops between sub-ASes.
Memory Tip: Confederation Loop = “Coalition Route Circle.”

259. How do you prevent BGP confederation loops?

Answer: Use unique sub-AS numbers and verify AS_PATH.

Scenario: Check confederation peers: bgp confederation peers 65001.
Memory Tip: “Sub-AS = Stop Confederation Loops.”
260. What is BGP multi-vendor interoperability?

Answer: Ensures BGP works between Cisco and other vendors’ routers.
Scenario: A Cisco router peers with a Juniper router.
Memory Tip: Interoperability = “Integrate BGP Platforms.”

261. How do you ensure BGP multi-vendor interoperability?

Answer: Match timers, capabilities, and attributes; use standards-compliant settings.

Scenario: Set standard timers: neighbor 192.168.1.2 timers 60 180.
Memory Tip: “Match Settings = Merge Vendors.”

262. What is BGP route summarization loop?

Answer: A loop caused by overlapping or incorrect summarization.

Scenario: Summarizing 10.0.0.0/16 in two ASes causes a loop.
Memory Tip: Summary Loop = “Summarized Route Circle.”

263. How do you prevent BGP route summarization loops?

Answer: Use unique summary ranges and as-set.

Scenario: Enable as-set: aggregate-address 10.0.0.0 255.255.0.0 as-set.
Memory Tip: “AS-Set = Avoid Summary Loops.”

264. What is BGP route oscillation storm?

Answer: Frequent route changes overwhelm the network.

Scenario: A flapping link causes repeated updates.
Memory Tip: Oscillation Storm = “Overactive Route Surge.”

265. How do you mitigate BGP route oscillation storm?

Answer: Use dampening, filters, and stabilize links.

Scenario: Enable dampening: bgp dampening 15 750 2000 60.
Memory Tip: “Dampening = Defuse Route Storm.”

266. What is BGP prefix overload storm?

Answer: Excessive prefixes flood the BGP table.

Scenario: A neighbor sends millions of prefixes rapidly.
Memory Tip: Prefix Storm = “Prefix Surge.”

267. How do you mitigate BGP prefix overload storm?

Answer: Use maximum-prefix, ORF, and filters.

Scenario: Limit prefixes: neighbor 192.168.1.2 maximum-prefix 1000.
Memory Tip: “Max-Prefix = Manage Prefix Storm.”
268. What is BGP route refresh capability mismatch?

Answer: Session fails due to one router not supporting route refresh.
Scenario: A legacy router rejects refresh requests.
Memory Tip: Capability Mismatch = “Can’t Agree on Features.”

269. How do you troubleshoot BGP route refresh capability mismatch?

Answer: Check capabilities with show ip bgp neighbors and enable soft-reconfiguration.
Scenario: Enable soft-reconfig: neighbor 192.168.1.2 soft-reconfiguration inbound.
Memory Tip: “Show Neighbors = Spot Capability Clash.”

270. What is BGP peer group scalability?

Answer: Peer groups reduce configuration and processing overhead for many neighbors.
Scenario: Manage 100 neighbors with one peer group.
Memory Tip: Peer Group = “Pack Neighbors Together.”

271. How do you optimize BGP peer group scalability?

Answer: Use peer groups and templates for common policies.

Scenario: Create group: neighbor ISP peer-group, neighbor 192.168.1.2 peer-group ISP.
Memory Tip: “Peer-Group = Simplify Neighbor Scale.”

272. What is BGP route target filtering?

Answer: Filters VPN routes based on route targets to reduce table size.
Scenario: Limit VPN routes to specific VRFs.
Memory Tip: RT Filter = “Restrict Route Targets.”

273. How do you configure BGP route target filtering?

Answer: Use address-family rtfilter and neighbor <ip> activate.

Scenario: Enable: address-family rtfilter, neighbor 192.168.1.2 activate.
Memory Tip: “RTFilter = Reduce Route Targets.”

274. What is BGP soft reconfiguration overhead?

Answer: Storing unfiltered routes increases memory usage.

Scenario: Enabling soft-reconfig for many neighbors consumes RAM.
Memory Tip: Soft-Reconfig = “Store Extra Routes.”

275. What is the impact of BGP soft reconfiguration on router memory?

Answer: Soft reconfiguration stores unfiltered routes from neighbors, increasing memory
usage significantly for large tables. Scenario: Enabling soft-reconfig for a neighbor sending
1M prefixes doubles memory needs. Memory Tip: Soft-Reconfig = “Saves Raw Routes, Eats
RAM.”

276. How do you mitigate BGP soft reconfiguration overhead?

Answer: Use route refresh capability instead of soft-reconfiguration or limit with prefix
filters. Scenario: Disable soft-reconfig and enable refresh: no neighbor 192.168.1.2 soft-
reconfiguration inbound. Memory Tip: “Route-Refresh = Replace Soft-Reconfig.”

277. What is BGP peer group misconfiguration?

Answer: Incorrect peer group settings (e.g., wrong AS or policy) cause session failures or
route issues. Scenario: A peer group with mismatched AS numbers prevents sessions from
forming. Memory Tip: Peer Group Misconfig = “Pals with Wrong Plan.”

278. How do you troubleshoot BGP peer group misconfiguration?

Answer: Verify peer group settings with show running-config and check neighbor states
with show ip bgp neighbors. Scenario: Use show ip bgp neighbors to confirm AS mismatch.
Memory Tip: “Show Neighbors = Spot Peer Group Slip.”

279. What is BGP route reflector hierarchy?

Answer: A multi-level route reflector setup where reflectors reflect routes to other
reflectors or clients. Scenario: A large ISP uses a hierarchy to scale iBGP across regions.
Memory Tip: Hierarchy = “High-Level Route Relay.”

280. How do you configure BGP route reflector hierarchy?

Answer: Use unique cluster IDs for each reflector level and configure clients: bgp cluster-id
<id>, neighbor <ip> route-reflector-client. Scenario: Set cluster ID 2.2.2.2: bgp cluster-id
2.2.2.2. Memory Tip: “Cluster-ID = Chain Reflectors Clearly.”

281. What is BGP route oscillation due to MED?

Answer: Frequent route changes caused by fluctuating MED values between ASes.
Scenario: Two ISPs with dynamic MEDs cause routes to flap. Memory Tip: MED Oscillation
= “MED-Driven Route Dance.”

282. How do you troubleshoot BGP route oscillation due to MED?

Answer: Enable bgp deterministic-med or use bgp always-compare-med; check with debug
ip bgp updates. Scenario: Enable: bgp deterministic-med. Memory Tip: “Deterministic-
MED = Defuse MED Drama.”

283. What is BGP prefix advertisement storm?

Answer: Rapid, excessive prefix advertisements overwhelm the router or network.
Scenario: A misconfigured neighbor floods 100K prefixes repeatedly. Memory Tip: Ad
Storm = “Avalanche of Advertisements.”

284. How do you mitigate BGP prefix advertisement storm?

Answer: Use maximum-prefix, dampening, or rate-limiting with neighbor <ip>

advertisement-interval. Scenario: Set interval: neighbor 192.168.1.2 advertisement-
interval 10. Memory Tip: “Ad-Interval = Avert Ad Storm.”

285. What is BGP AS override?

Answer: Replaces a customer’s AS number with the provider’s AS to avoid loop prevention
rejection. Scenario: Used in MPLS VPNs when a customer uses the same AS at multiple
sites. Memory Tip: AS Override = “Alter AS to Avoid Rejection.”

286. How do you configure BGP AS override?

Answer: Use neighbor <ip> as-override in the address-family. Scenario: Enable: address-
family vpnv4, neighbor 192.168.1.2 as-override. Memory Tip: “AS-Override = Adjust AS for
VPN.”

287. What is BGP route recursion loop?

Answer: A loop caused by recursive route lookups pointing back to BGP routes. Scenario:
A NEXT_HOP resolves to a BGP route, creating an infinite loop. Memory Tip: Recursion
Loop = “Route Resolving Rut.”

288. How do you troubleshoot BGP route recursion loop?

Answer: Check show ip route for recursive routes and ensure NEXT_HOP is reachable via
IGP. Scenario: Verify routes: show ip route <prefix>. Memory Tip: “Show Route = Stop
Recursion Rut.”

289. What is BGP attribute manipulation loop?

Answer: Improper route-map or policy changes cause attributes to loop or conflict.

Scenario: A route-map sets conflicting LOCAL_PREF values in a loop. Memory Tip:
Attribute Loop = “Attribute Alteration Accident.”

290. How do you prevent BGP attribute manipulation loop?

Answer: Use unique route-maps, test policies, and verify with show ip bgp <prefix>.
Scenario: Check attributes: show ip bgp 192.168.1.0. Memory Tip: “Show BGP = Spot
Attribute Snafu.”

291. What is BGP fast convergence tuning?

Answer: Optimizes BGP timers and features for faster route updates after failures.
Scenario: Reduce downtime after a link failure in a data center. Memory Tip: Fast
Convergence = “Fix Routes Fast.”

292. How do you configure BGP fast convergence tuning?

Answer: Use lower timers (neighbor <ip> timers <keepalive> <holdtime>), PIC, and fast
fallover. Scenario: Set timers: neighbor 192.168.1.2 timers 10 30. Memory Tip: “Timers =
Tune for Speed.”

293. What is BGP route reflector client loop?

Answer: A loop where a client receives its own routes via a reflector. Scenario: Missing
ORIGINATOR_ID causes a client to re-advertise its route. Memory Tip: Client Loop =
“Client’s Route Comes Back.”

294. How do you prevent BGP route reflector client loop?

Answer: Ensure ORIGINATOR_ID and CLUSTER_LIST are set; use bgp cluster-id <id>.
Scenario: Set ID: bgp cluster-id 3.3.3.3. Memory Tip: “Cluster-ID = Cut Client Loops.”

295. What is BGP prefix-list scalability?

Answer: Efficient prefix-list design to handle large numbers of prefixes without

performance impact. Scenario: Manage 10K prefixes in a filter for an ISP. Memory Tip:
Prefix-List Scale = “Process Prefixes Properly.”

296. How do you optimize BGP prefix-list scalability?

Answer: Use sequence numbers, summarize prefixes, and avoid excessive regex. Scenario:
Summarize: ip prefix-list ALLOW permit 192.168.0.0/16 le 24. Memory Tip: “Summarize =
Streamline Prefix-Lists.”

297. What is BGP route-map scalability?

Answer: Designing route-maps to handle complex policies without overloading the router.
Scenario: Apply policies to 100 neighbors without performance issues. Memory Tip:
Route-Map Scale = “Robust Rules for Routes.”

298. How do you optimize BGP route-map scalability?

Answer: Use modular route-maps, avoid deep sequences, and leverage peer groups.
Scenario: Modular map: route-map BASE permit 10, route-map SPECIFIC permit 20.
Memory Tip: “Modular = Manageable Route-Maps.”

299. What is BGP memory leak in large tables?

Answer: BGP processes consume excessive memory due to bugs or misconfigurations in
large routing tables. Scenario: A router crashes after receiving 2M prefixes. Memory Tip:
Memory Leak = “Memory Loss from Load.”

300. How do you troubleshoot BGP memory leak in large tables?

Answer: Monitor memory with show memory, limit prefixes with maximum-prefix, and
upgrade IOS if buggy. Scenario: Check memory: show memory summary. Memory Tip:
“Show Memory = Spot Memory Sink.”