EIGRP

[mspaw]

Is EIGRP or any other routing protocol necessary between three point to points that terminate into a core router? Or would static routes be better? I have a consultant telling me the newer Cisco routers don't need to run EIGRP. I am upgrading from older 2500 series routers too new Cisco 2610XM at remote sites all coming back to a new Cisco 2821 with VWI's replacing external CSU/DSU's. Any advise would be most appreciated.

[pkhatri]

Hi,

Firstly, it is totally incorrect to state that newer Cisco routes don't need to run EIGRP. There have been improvements to static route functionality in recent times to make them a bit more dynamic. However, they still cannot serve as a replacement for dynamic routng protocols like EIGRP.

When you have multiple links between sites, it is generally a good idea to use a routing protocol (like EIGRP) for the following reasons:

- it allows dynamic discovery of failed links which you can't always get with static routes

- it allows more efficient routing by considering distances (metrics) between different points

- with protocols like EIGRP, you can do unequal-cost load sharing if you have multiple non-equal-bandwidth between sites

With the routers you have, you will have no problems running EIGRP between your sites.

Hope that helps - pls rate posts that help.

Regards,

Paresh

[mspaw]

Thnks for the quick response. Always good to get a second opinion.

[bhedlund · Accepted solution]

The decision to use a dynamic routing protocol has nothing to do with the model of router you own, it has everything to do with the network topology and network requirements.

If the 2610XM routers will only have one link to send traffic out of the site then, NO, they dont need EIGRP and a default route would do just fine.

Larger networks with redundant paths absolutely need a dynamic routing protocol like EIGRP or OSPF.

In your situation, however, EIGRP is very easy to configure in smaller networks and does not consume much bandwidth or CPU cycles. While EIGRP may not be needed in your situation it certainly would not hurt to go ahead and use it anyway. It will make it easier for your network to grow, add new paths, and adapt to new requirements.