Chapter 3. Routing in TCP/IP Networks

OBJECTIVES

This chapter covers the following Sun-specified objectives for the 310-043 exam:

Describe IP routing. Identify the Solaris 8 daemons that implement routing protocols. Identify the files used to configure routing.

• TCP/IP networks are usually connected to each other using devices known as routers. These routers run special type of protocols, known as routing protocols. Routing protocols determine the path from the source host to the destination host before a data packet can be sent to the destination. There are multiple types of routing protocols. Types that are available on the Solaris platform by default are the Routing Information Protocol (RIP) and the Router Discovery Protocol (RDISC).

  Identify the purpose of the files used to configure routing.

• Configuration files are used to configure these protocols, and you need to know the syntax and purpose of these files.

  Administer the routing table.

• Routing table entries are managed by the route command. You can display these entries using the netstat command. You need to know how to manage a routing table using these commands.

  Describe classless interdomain routing.

• Some information about classless interdomain routing (CIDR) is also needed. This type of routing is explained later in this chapter.

OUTLINE

Introduction

Introduction to Routing in TCP/IP Networks

Planning TCP/IP Networks

Planning for Network Design

Planning for IP Addressing

Network Addresses and Communication Among Different Networks

Types of Routing

Routed and Routing Protocols

Static Route Configuration

Default Routes

Classless Internet Domain Routing (CIDR)

So Which Routing Should I Use? Static or Dynamic

Configuring RIP and RDISC

How Does a Host Determine Whether It Is a Router?

Configuring RDISC (in.rdisc)

Configuring RIP (in.routed)

Routing Startup and Configuration Files

The /etc/defaultrouter File

The /etc/gateways File

The /etc/inet/networks File

The /etc/init.d/inetinit File

IP Forwarding

Common Routing Problems

Troubleshooting Commands

Using the ping Command

Using the traceroute Command

Using the netstat Command

The ifconfig Command

Chapter Summary

Apply Your Knowledge

STUDY STRATEGIES

Routing in IP networks is a relatively complicated task. Everybody learns it with experience. To learn this process, the following study strategies are recommended:

• Go through this chapter and complete all the examples.

• Configure a host and configure default routes on it.

• Configure a host as a router using static routes.

• Configure a host as a router using RIP as the routing protocol.

Once again, note that you need lots of exercise to master routing on Solaris systems. Because of that, this chapter places the most emphasis on practical exercises.