EIGRP Routing

In this hands-on exercise, we'll learn about the EIGRP routing protocol by creating a network with a router and connecting them using EIGRP. Cisco Packet Tracer, a powerful network simulation tool, will be our playground. By the end of this lab, you'll have gained practical insights into the essential concepts of network configuration, IP addressing and the EIGRP routing protocol.

In this lab we will perform the following:

1. Create a network with 2 PCs, 2 switches and a router.

2. Use EIGRP routing protocol and then perform packet transfer to test the network.

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this lab as such, but having a look at “Hub vs Switch vs Router” lab to have a better base before this lab.

What is EIGRP ?

The Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP) is a Cisco proprietary routing protocol designed for efficient and scalable routing within an enterprise network. EIGRP combines the best features of distance-vector and link-state routing protocols, offering rapid convergence and reduced network traffic.

EIGRP operates by creating a topology table that maintains information about neighboring routers and their routing tables. It uses the Diffusing Update Algorithm (DUAL) to calculate the shortest path to reach network destinations based on bandwidth, delay, reliability, and load. EIGRP routers exchange routing updates only when there are changes in the network, minimizing unnecessary traffic.

Features of EIGRP:

1. Rapid Convergence: 

EIGRP quickly adapts to network changes, ensuring that routing updates are propagated efficiently, reducing convergence time, and minimizing network disruption.

2. Hybrid Routing Protocol:

EIGRP combines the advantages of distance-vector and link-state routing protocols, offering the efficiency of distance-vector with the fast convergence of link-state protocols. It uses the Diffusing Update Algorithm (DUAL) to calculate routes dynamically.

3. Support for Unequal-Cost Load Balancing:

EIGRP allows for unequal-cost load balancing, enabling multiple routes to be used simultaneously based on their metric values. This optimizes network resource utilization and enhances fault tolerance.

4. Route Summarization:

EIGRP supports route summarization, which reduces the size of routing tables by aggregating multiple routes into a single summary route. This aids in minimizing routing overhead and simplifying network management.

5. Advanced Features:

EIGRP offers features like route authentication and route tagging for enhanced security and control over routing decisions. Additionally, it supports the use of multiple network layer protocols, making it versatile in mixed protocol environments.

Refer to these links and tutorials for more information

1. Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol - Wikipedia

2. Cisco Packet Tracer - Networking Simulation Tool (netacad.com)

3. EIGRP fundamentals - GeeksforGeeks

Summary

In this hands-on lab, we explore the fundamentals of the EIGRP routing protocol using Cisco Packet Tracer, a robust network simulation tool. Our objective is to build a network with routers, switches, and PCs, then employ EIGRP to establish routing connections and perform packet transfers for testing. By the end of this exercise, you'll have practical knowledge of network configuration, IP addressing, and the EIGRP protocol. No prerequisites are required, although reviewing the "Hub vs Switch vs Router" lab beforehand may enhance your understanding. Cisco Packet Tracer simplifies the learning process, providing a virtual platform for network experimentation and troubleshooting, making it an invaluable resource for both aspiring and experienced IT professionals seeking to expand their networking expertise.