Asymmetric routing occurs when a packet takes a different path to return to its source than it did to reach its destination. This can cause problems in network performance, reliability, and security, so it’s essential to avoid these pitfalls. Here are some tips and best practices for avoiding the pitfalls of asymmetric routing.
1. Use Symmetrical Routing
Symmetrical routing is the simplest solution to avoiding asymmetric routing. The principle is that the outgoing and incoming paths for a packet are the same, ensuring that all traffic follows the same route in both directions. However, this isn’t always possible or practical, so other solutions may be required.
2. Routing Protocols
Routing protocols such as Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) can help avoid asymmetric routing by ensuring that traffic uses the same path for both forward and return traffic. BGP is an Internet protocol that manages routing between routers in different networks. It enables dynamic routing, which means it can adjust the traffic flow based on network conditions, ensuring that traffic flows are optimized.
3. Network Redundancy
Network redundancy is a solution for ensuring constant network uptime. By providing multiple paths between two points, when one path fails, traffic can be redirected via the other path. However, if these paths are not the same, it can create asymmetric routing. In this case, network engineers should design the network to maintain symmetrical routing in redundancy plans.
4. SD-WAN Solutions
SD-WAN solutions can help avoid asymmetric routing by building a network overlay across two or more WAN links with intelligence to choose the best path for the traffic based on real-time network conditions. The SD-WAN solution helps ensure predictable and reliable performance by leveraging preconfigured business policies.
5. Architecting the Network
The network architecture design plays an essential role in avoiding the pitfalls of asymmetric routing. When planning a network, it’s important to consider the traffic flows, essential services, and routes taken by the traffic. By centralizing the network design and implementing routing and security protocols, network engineers can optimize the network, ensuring that the traffic follows the same path in both directions.
6. Monitoring and Testing
Network administrators should consistently monitor and test the network for problems associated with asymmetric routing. This includes deploying network monitoring tools to detect and alert in case of a deviation from the routing pattern or performance issues arising from asymmetrical routing.
Wrapping Up
Preventing asymmetric routing is crucial to ensure network reliability, performance, and security. By incorporating the above tips and best practices, network engineers and administrators can optimize their networks and avoid the pitfalls associated with asymmetrical routing. Generally, it’s necessary to plan a network that’s scalable and reliable to mitigate all network traffic issues.