BGP, or Border Gateway Protocol, is a key protocol used to manage how packets are routed across the internet. It’s the protocol that makes the internet global, as it manages the paths that data packets take across different networks.
Here’s how BGP works in simple terms:
- BGP helps different parts of the internet, known as Autonomous Systems (AS), to communicate. Each AS is a network or group of networks under a single administration, like an internet service provider or a large organization.
- BGP shares routing information between these AS. It tells a network how to get to other networks, sharing the routes available.
- BGP is all about finding the best path. It doesn’t just look for the shortest path, but the most efficient or ‘best’ path, which could be based on various factors like policy, distance, or network congestion.
BGP is essential for the smooth operation of the internet, ensuring data finds the fastest and most efficient route from its source to its destination