06-06-2012 05:12 AM - edited 03-04-2019 04:35 PM
dear cisco experts.
I'm currently in the process of creating an enterprise network (according to the Cisco Enterprise Campus Model) for a multinational company. (fictive).
I need to to solve my following situation:
--- HQ in Netherlands -- --- Branch office in Germany ---
[ CORE ] < ---- > router <---> Orange International Ethernet Link (VPLS) <---> router <---> [DISTRIBUTION]
| |
[ DISTRIBUTION ] [ ACCESS ]
|
[ ACCESS ]
The whole enterprise network will operate in a 172.16.0.0/16 subnet, each with its own subnet within the main subnet (summary address).
Now I would like to create an OSPF design. I would like to have the backbone area 0 at the HQ in The Netherlands, while giving Germany an other area number.
Would it be a good practice to create an OSPF virtual link across the 2 routers at each side of the VPLS link? Or are there any other solutions?
Every other area should connect to the backbone Area 0 at the HQ in The Netherlands.
Suggestions would be appreciated
06-06-2012 06:19 AM
Hello Michiel,
I would put the VPLS link in area 0 , so that you can extend area 0 to Germany office. This gives you the capability to have multiple areas in Germany site if needed in the future.
There is no need to use virtual links in real world. Stay away from them and consider them a temporary fix when joining two separate networks not when designing a new network.
Hope to help
Giuseppe
06-06-2012 07:14 AM
Dear Giuseppe,
Thank you for your input
So what you are meaning is that you would combine the Germany branch office AND the VPLS link together in one subnet and Area 0?
How about the HQ in The Netherlands? I thought Cisco best recommendation advises to always put your head office (HQ) Campus into Area 0 as a backbone area.
Maybe I'm a little bit confused hehe.
06-06-2012 07:27 AM
Hello Michiel,
I have suggested to put the VPLS link in area 0 to have more flexibility.
I would put the Germany office internal subnets in a separate area.
I would put the HQ office infrastructure in area 0 and HQ client subnets in a different area.
How much to extend area 0 in HQ is your choice. However, using multiple areas in OSPF provide some benefits like route control on internal routes.(you can perform route filtering at area border if needed and route summarization).
Using multiple areas is not only done for scalability, but also for better control.
Avoid to use redistribute connected and use network ... area + passive interface instead to avoid unnecessary external routes (that cannot be filtered at area border).
Hope to help
Giuseppe
06-08-2012 12:33 AM
Dear Giuseppe,
Thanks again for your advise
I think it's a good practice to put HQ in Area 0 + VPLS , and Germany in Area 1.
How would you assign the Area 1 as an kind of OSPF area? NSSA?
Thanks in advance
06-08-2012 02:58 AM
Hello Michiel,
for area 1 in Germany office i would use a standard OSPF area.
Hope to help
Giuseppe
06-11-2012 03:25 AM
Dear Giuseppe,
Thanks again Could you also explain why? And not create an stub area for Germany?
Greetings
Michiel
Discover and save your favorite ideas. Come back to expert answers, step-by-step guides, recent topics, and more.
New here? Get started with these tips. How to use Community New member guide