IS-IS, the Intermediate System to Intermediate System protocol, has effectively been used as a routing protocol for many large scale networks, including privately owned data, telephone system management, and power equipment management networks. Used in conjunction with the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), IS-IS offers Internet Service Providers and the administrators of other large networks advanced flexibility and scalability. As a result, the number of complex networks employing the IS-IS protocol has grown quickly.

IS-IS: Deployment in IP Networks is a hands-on guide for network engineers deploying, maintaining, and building IS-IS networks. Based on both the best practices of current implementations and the specifications of the protocol, IS-IS provides highly valuable configuration examples using Cisco IOS Software, combined with real-life, expert descriptions, analysis, and advice. Readers will also find case studies and operational theory about this powerful and popular routing protocol.

Coverage includes:
# A historical perspective on OSI protocols and addressing
# Neighbor discovery, relationships, and pseudonodes
# Flooding mechanisms, timers, and tuner timing
# The division of the routing domain
# Hierarchical network design and IS-IS deployment
# The interaction between IS-IS and MPLS
# Protocol enhancements, including dynamic hostnames, back door links, interaction with SRP, non-stop forwarding, and multi-topology routing

Examining the IS-IS protocol from its origins to the most recent innovations, IS-IS covers all of the protocpieces, packets, deployment strategies, and issues. It is a valuable resource for networking students preparing for the CCIE® (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert) exam.