Convergence of Routing Protocols in Real and Simulated Environments

Abstract

In this paper, the comparative analysis of dynamic routing protocols EIGRP and OSPF is presented. The objective of analysis was to determine which routing protocol is converging faster. For testing, three approaches were used, namely simulation using OPNET simulator, emulation using GNS3 emulator and testing using real devices. Network topology that was used for testing purpose provide three possible paths between source and destination device. Generating large amount of echo request messages and observing echo reply message before and after link failure provide time needed to achieve convergence in network. Comparing the results obtained using real devices and simulator / emulator showed some shortcomings of OPNET and GNS. From the test results, it can be said that the dynamic routing protocol EIGRP is converging faster. This protocol is therefore more suitable for implementation in production infrastructures.