How can EIGRP improve network performance?

1 EIGRP Basics

EIGRP is a hybrid routing protocol that combines the best aspects of distance vector and link state protocols. It uses a metric called composite metric, which takes into account bandwidth, delay, load, and reliability of each link. It also uses a concept called diffusing update algorithm (DUAL), which enables it to quickly adapt to network changes and avoid loops. EIGRP maintains a topology table that contains all the possible routes to each destination, and selects the best one based on the lowest composite metric. EIGRP also supports classless interdomain routing (CIDR), variable length subnet masking (VLSM), and summarization.

2 EIGRP Features

EIGRP is a powerful and efficient routing protocol, boasting features such as scalability, reliability, flexibility, and security. It can support large networks with thousands of routers and multiple autonomous systems, while also allowing hierarchical design and route filtering to reduce routing overhead and improve performance. EIGRP's reliable transport protocol (RTP) ensures that all routing updates are delivered and acknowledged, while hello packets monitor the status of neighbor routers and detect failures. If a link or a router fails, EIGRP can quickly converge to a new route using the information in the topology table. It is also flexible enough to support different network layer protocols such as IPv4, IPv6, IPX, and AppleTalk, as well as different types of traffic including unicast, multicast, and broadcast. Additionally, it can be configured to use different metrics for different types of traffic such as voice, video, or data. Lastly, EIGRP can use authentication to prevent unauthorized routers from joining the network or sending false updates and encryption to protect the data in the routing updates.

3 EIGRP Configuration

To configure EIGRP on your routers, you need to enable it using the router eigrp command, followed by the autonomous system number. This number must be the same for all routers in the same EIGRP domain. Additionally, you can specify the network addresses that belong to the EIGRP domain using the network command and wildcard masks. You can also adjust parameters such as the composite metric, hello and hold timers, bandwidth and delay values, authentication and encryption settings, and route filtering and summarization options. To do this, use the eigrp subcommands under interface or router configuration modes. Lastly, you can disable automatic summarization and enable VLSM with the no auto-summary command.