Performance analysis of OSPF and EIGRP convergence through IPsec tunnel using Multi-homing BGP connection

Abstract

Increasingly, networks stability and convergence time are critical parameters in overall network performance. Therefore, it is essential to compare the routing protocols performance to understand the convergence issues and future needs. Corporate networks require a better performing network with a stable connection with the remote branches. There is a need for a backup link availability for the remote branches’ connection in case of a link failure. The Internet Service Providers (ISPs) cannot guarantee a network connection without errors or link failures. To avoid network downtime, the enterprise uses a backup link, preferably with a different ISP with a failover link capability for their network. Other research conducted under the title of Routing Protocol Performance Analysis for RIP, EIGRP, OSPF compares the performance of the protocols using the parameters like delay, jitter, throughput. However, not many consider the link failure and its impact on the enterprise network. This research was conducted to analyze the problem faced by the corporate networks in case of link failure and what routing protocols they should use to minimize the network delay, jitter, convergence time and failover convergence time for better network performance when both internal and external routing protocols are used over the secure network connection using IPsec tunnel by simulating the network using GNS3. BGP multi-homing environment is implemented with multiple internet connections with different ISPs using different AS numbers. IPsec tunnel is established over the public network, and EIGRP and OSPF routing protocol performance is compared running over the IPsec tunnel. The testing parameters used in this study are delay, packet loss, initial convergence time, failover convergence time. For added security, the protocols convergence timings are recorded using MD5 authentication. The result of this study indicates that EIGRP has a better initial convergence time, and it has a better failover convergence time compared to OSPF.