Tech Tip - Dynamic Routing: Protocol Rank

[Chris_Atkinson]

Background

Rank is used by the routing system when there are routes from different protocols to the same destination. For each route, the route from the protocol with lowest rank number is used.

The protocol rank is the value that the routing daemon uses to order routes from different protocols to the same destination. In the case where the same route is contributed by more than one protocol, the one with the lowest rank becomes the active route.

The default dynamic routing protocol “protocol rank” values are documented in the advanced routing admin guide for your version e.g. R82_Gaia_Advanced_Routing_AdminGuide - Routing-Options-Protocol-Rank.

These values are configurable for controlling which route types take precedence based on their protocol but typically this isn’t necessary except in advanced routing scenarios.

Static Routes (Tech Tip)
In Cisco routing environments it is not uncommon to leverage a static route to Null0 with a higher administrative distance as an anchor or to facilitate a backup route.

Seemingly before R82 GAiA OS doesn’t allow you to set/configure a different “protocol rank” for individual static-routes. You can however set different priorities for them. See also: R82_Gaia_AdminGuide - IPv4-Static-Routes-Gaia-Clish (note not applicable to traditional VSX).

Spark (Tech Tip)
For those with Spark devices please be aware of the following advanced option needed to help override the internet connection default route protocol-rank in some scenarios involving dynamic routing. Navigate here: Device > Advanced > Advanced Settings

“OS advanced settings - Default route rank”

Default route rank: 60

Description: Configuring the default route rank gives it priority (or not) over other default routes from different routing protocols.

SMB_R81.10.X - Configuring-Advanced-Settings