What This Document Is
This document presents lecture notes from an Introduction to Communication Networks course (ELENG 122) at the University of California, Berkeley, specifically focusing on the critical topic of Interdomain Network Routing. It delves into the complexities of how different networks connect and communicate with each other across the internet, moving beyond the fundamentals of routing within a single network. The material builds upon foundational concepts of network routing and explores the unique challenges presented when dealing with multiple administrative domains.
Why This Document Matters
This resource is invaluable for students enrolled in networking courses, particularly those seeking a deeper understanding of internet architecture and the protocols that govern global communication. It’s especially helpful when studying for exams, completing assignments, or preparing for more advanced coursework in network design and management. Professionals involved in network engineering, system administration, or internet service provision will also find the concepts discussed here highly relevant to their work. Understanding interdomain routing is essential for anyone involved in building, maintaining, or optimizing network infrastructure.
Topics Covered
* Hierarchical Routing and its importance for scalability
* The role of interconnections in shaping the competitive landscape and robustness of networks
* Different interconnection arrangements between Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
* Peering vs. Transit relationships and their implications
* The concept of reachability in interdomain routing
* An introduction to the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) and its function
* Path Vector Protocols and their characteristics
What This Document Provides
* A conceptual overview of why hierarchical routing is necessary.
* Discussion of the competitive forces and structural considerations that influence network interconnections.
* An exploration of the business relationships that define how networks exchange traffic.
* An introduction to the core principles behind BGP, a key protocol for interdomain routing.
* Illustrative examples to aid in understanding complex relationships between networks.
* A foundation for further study of advanced routing protocols and network architecture.
