[c-nsp] Route Reflector Design

[Pete Templin]

Mike Johnson wrote:
> How am I able to utilize thousands of devices in a flat IGP domain? I
> thought only a couple hundred is recommended before deploying
> multiple areas.

Do you really have thousands of routers within your network "core"?  I 
have twelve distribution/edge routers and two core routers, maximum, per 
POP.  With five POPs, 40-60 routers, ~140 links, etc., I'm nowhere near 
the 5,000 target ceiling.

> Are you guys recommneding OSPF or ISIS?

I went from OSPF to ISIS a few years ago for several reasons.  The 
relevant reasons are:

1) Perceived network security: since we don't accept CLNS packets from 
customers or providers, it's much tougher to packet-bomb our IGP.
2) Perceived operational security: since we do MPLS VPNs and anticipate 
savvy customers wanting to use OSPF over those, having our technicians 
"separated" from our production IGP as soon as they get to 'router o' 
was a good thing.

I'm now contemplating going back to OSPF.  The relevant reasons are:

1) We have some use for Catalyst 3550s in our network, and AFAIK they 
don't speak ISIS.
2) We're having extreme pain trying to bring up ISIS for IPv6.

pt