Policy Routing Using Linux: Amazon.ca: Matthew Marsh: Books

Product Description

From Amazon

Linux machines, with their low cost and practically infinite configurability, work fantastically as specialised network nodes like routers and firewalls. Matthew Marsh has done a lot of research into the applicability of Linux as a router operating system--specifically to unusually complex IPv4 routing requirements--and has compiled his findings into Policy Routing Using Linux. It's a rich read for anyone interested in working with iproute2 or the Routing Policy Database (RPDB). In fact, many of the concepts Marsh discusses are applicable to routers generally; you'll find this book conceptually helpful (if not practically so) even if you do your policy routing on other kinds of equipment.

As policy routing is not a fundamental concept you must understand in order to interconnect networks, this is not an introductory text. Marsh assumes knowledge of IP addressing and routing concepts, and some familiarity with access control and packet filtering. Given that base, the author explores policy routing capabilities and limitations with great enthusiasm. He typically fills a couple of pages with conceptual text and occasional diagrams, and then jumps to examples. These alternate between command and configuration-file listings with illuminating commentary. Special topics, such as the ability of Linux's policy routing utilities to interact with dynamic routing protocols, are dealt with adequately in side bars. --David Wall

Topics covered: The application of policies to IPv4 and IPv6 routing problems, with specific solutions outlined for the Linux operating system. Detailed coverage goes to iproute2 and the Routing Policy Database (RPDB). Examples are numerous and valuable.

Book Description

Will show readers how to work with Cisco IOS 12.x rated routers, or to build a stand alone Linux router
.17 - 21% of network servers are currently running Linux, and the Linux share of the market continues to grow.
The Linux kernel is the only OS that supports policy routing except for certain versions of Cisco IOS 12.x.
Covers policy routing under IPv4 and IPv6. Policy Routing on Linux is an advanced book covering all critical aspects of Linux Policy Routing from the authors extensive experience. It provides documentation and best practice usage for implementing policy routing under Linux with references and comparisons to Cisco IOS policy routing. Readers of this book will be able to- Understand the theory and basic concepts of policy routing; design and install a policy-routed network under IPv4 on a Linux based network using the IP utility for Linux; differentiate between and integrate policy routing structures and dynamic routing protocols; analyse and tune complex policy routed networks on Linux and possibly Cisco networks; and understand the role of policy routing structures and implementations within the Linux IPv6 network stack.

See all Product Description

Tag this product

(What's this?)

Think of a tag as a keyword or label you consider is strongly related to this product.
Tags will help all customers organize and find favorite items.

Customer Reviews

4 Reviews

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

Average Customer Review

3.5 out of 5 stars (4 customer reviews)

Share your thoughts with other customers:

Create your own review

Most helpful customer reviews

2.0 out of 5 stars Better than nothing., Dec 5 2001

By

Larry R (San Diego, US) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Policy Routing Using Linux (Paperback)

As of December 2001, I don't know of any other books which ostensibly cover the topic of policy routing for Linux. Since I think this book does provide some real value about the topic, I guess that makes it the best book available right now, and so I think this is pretty much a "must have" book for anyone who wants to get all the information they can.

Some things I expected to get from this book were: clear detailed explanations of the "ip", "tc", and "iptables" commands, some explanations of the "netlink"/"rtnetlink" interfaces, clear explanations of the concepts and data structures those things are addressing, explanations of the various queueing disciplines available and when are the best times to use each them, explanations of how to troubleshoot and debug problems caused by all these things; and lots of clear and thorough diagrams, since to me that is a critical part of explaining any networking/routing topic.

In my opinion the book pretty much provided none of those things. However, it did present some buzzwords in appropriate contexts, and provided some information about the kinds of things which can be done with respect to policy routing with Linux and what is generally meant by "policy routing", and it provided some useful opinions and insight into various issues.

I think the book provides some value as perhaps an "introduction to policy routing concepts and Linux for network administrators". Also, I guess in a perfect world it would go without saying that the author is clueful about the topic of the book, but nowadays that does not seem to be a prerequisite to writing a book like this. I think this author _is_ clueful about this topic.

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews

Was this review helpful to you? Yes No

Report abuse

5.0 out of 5 stars finally a practical guide to linux routing, Jun 14 2001

By

Ted (SF, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Policy Routing Using Linux (Paperback)

I've been playing with the linux routing and the ip utility for a couple of years now, and about a year ago i remember sending Matthew a question about it as I saw him answer a question on one of the mailing lists about it. He answered my question, which no one else had been able to do, and I FINALLY got everything working. When I saw he had a book out, I immediately bought one and read it. One of the simple examples in chapter five was almost the exact same problem I had asked him about, dealing with loopback. (I'd like to think this was in there because of me ;-)) Even better, in chapter six, he showed me how to do multiple connections, which was a question I was thinking about asking him anyway as I just got a DSL in addition to my cable modem. This is an AWESOME book, and I think I'll learn a lot more cool tricks from it. Highly recommended for anyone doing linux.

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews

Was this review helpful to you? Yes No

Report abuse

5.0 out of 5 stars great reference, good examples, Jun 13 2001

By

Peter (Michigan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Policy Routing Using Linux (Paperback)

I've been looking for a book on this topic for quite some time. Not only does Mr Marsh explain things well, he as great examples throughout the book. Also has a good writing style, the book is very readable.

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews

Was this review helpful to you? Yes No

Report abuse

Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review

› See all 4 customer reviews on Amazon.ca

Want to see more reviews on this item?

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 4 reviews 3.5 out of 5 stars

Most recent customer reviews

2.0 out of 5 stars Useless, if iproute2 had had decent documentation.
I was very excited about the book in the beginning. One of the reasons was that iproute2 package (for advance routing with Linux) does not have decent document with it. Read more

Published on May 6 2001 by Ramin