International Journal of Research and Reviews in Ad Hoc Networks (IJRRAN) Vol. xx, No.

xx, March 2011 ISSN: 2046-5106 Copyright Science Academy Publisher, United Kingdom www.sciacademypublisher.com
Science Academy Publisher

Performance Comparison of EIGRP and ISIS/RIP Protocols

Shravan K. Narisetty, Santosh K. Balsu .
School of Computing/Telecom, Bth, Karlskrona, Sweden. Email: shrava.narisetty@gmail.com , santhu0025@gmail.com

Abstract IP networks have been observed of having poor convergence, low throughput and high end-to-end delay. Dynamic routing protocols play a prominent role in enhancing the performance of IP networks. Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP), Intermediate Systems-Intermediate Systems (IS-IS) and Routing Information Protocol (RIP) are main interior gateway routing protocols designed to operate in complex network topologies. EIGRP is based on diffusing update algorithm (Dual), RIP is based on distance vector algorithm and IS-IS uses Dijkstra algorithm for computing the best path through the network. We have chosen three different application i.e., video conferencing, e-mail and ftp. We use OPNET to design and simulate the network and compare the performance of the EIGRP, IS-IS/RIP routing protocols in terms of convergence time, throughput and end-to-end delay and propose which routing is suitable for IP networks. Keywords EIGRP, IS-IS, OPNET, RIP.

1.

Introduction

The Internet has been tremendous growth in past decade. Today's biggest network, is intended to transfer data from one place to another. But these networks have been observed to have poor convergence and high delay which causes congestion and there may be a chance of data loss. A routing protocol allows the communication nodes of different network to communicate with other router maintain the routing tables and updates the router. Routing mechanism can be divided into two categories: dynamic routing and static routing. Adaptability and scalability are the main advantages of dynamic routing [1]. However, there are dynamic routing protocols that exist and the selection of the protocol is a critical according to the network topology. IS-IS is designed for OSI routing and easily extendable. It uses Dijkstra algorithm to calculate the best path. However, EIGRP uses Diffusing update algorithm (Dual), it is a combination of Link-state and Distance-Vector algorithms. In addition, EIGRP supports multiple protocols and requires less bandwidth than distance-vector protocols. The amount of data traffic in the network would depend on the type of application used. Video conferencing is a multimedia applications which creates a heavy data traffic whereas email and ftp applications are light data traffic. end-to-end delay metrics is choosen which is most important in determining the latency of the video application and throughput, network convergence parameters which effect the performance of the network. In this paper, EIGRP and IS-IS/RIP protocols performance are analysis and compared. The analysis is done

by simulation using an OPNET modeler and the result shows that throughput and end-to-end delay are better for ISIS/RIP protocol whereas the EIGRP has a better network convergence activity.

2.

Survey of Related Works

A dynamic routing protocol is responsible for path determination, routing updates and choosing the best path in a network (host node to destination node). Performance analysis of different routing protocols has been done based on different performance metrics like network convergence, router convergence, queuing delay and throughput [1] and network bandwidth utilization, CPU utilization and routing traffic [2]. Another major advancement in routing techniques is simultaneous implementation of two protocols for an efficient performance which has been shown in [3].

3.

Problem Statement and Main Contribution

Internet is an advanced medium for data communication and the usage of internet has increased rapidly. Because of this heavy usage there have been congestion problems in the network which reduce the performance of the network. To increase the network performance we need a suitable protocol which regulates the data flow at routers. Choosing the most suitable protocol is critical in improving the performance of IP networks. The goal of research is to determine which of the dynamic routing protocol between EIGRP and ISIS/RIP yields better performance in IP networks, considering convergence time, throughput and end to end delay parameters as constraints? EIGRP would be a better performing protocol than ISIS/RIP

International Journal of Research and Reviews in Ad Hoc Networks (IJRRAN) in terms of convergence time, throughput and end-to-end delay as parameters. We designed and implemented different scenarios using OPNET. Combination of the two protocols IS-IS and RIP is done successfully. Comparison of these protocols IS-IS/RIP and EIGRP is based on different performance metrics. Validating the results and analyzing the better protocols for network.

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4.

Problem Solution

4.1. System Model We have designed our simulation model using OPNET modeler 9.0. Fig. 1 shows the network topology used for simulation of results. Cisco 7200 routers, PPP_DS3 links, Ethernet server, 10BaseT LAN, switches are the modules considered in designing the network. There are three servers and each server support a different application i.e., ftp, email and video applications. There are three LANs which support all the three applications. In this work, we have made a detailed study about design of a network model and modules used in this project. Two scenarios were created. In the first scenario, routers were configured with EIGRP protocol and the other scenario, routers are configured with combination of ISIS and RIP protocols.

place to another. But these networks have been observed to have poor convergence and high delay which causes congestion and there may be a chance of data loss. A routing protocol allows the communication nodes of different network to communicate with other router maintain the routing tables and updates the router. Routing mechanism can be divided into two categories: dynamic routing and static routing. Adaptability and scalability are the main advantages of dynamic routing [1]. However, there are dynamic routing protocols that exist and the selection of the protocol is a critical according to the network topology. IS-IS is designed for OSI routing and easily extendable. It uses Dijkstra algorithm to calculate the best path. However, EIGRP uses Diffusing update algorithm (Dual), it is a combination of Link-state and Distance-Vector algorithms. In addition, EIGRP supports multiple protocols and requires less bandwidth than distance-vector protocols. The amount of data traffic in the network would depend on the type of application used. Video conferencing is a multimedia applications which creates a heavy data traffic whereas email and ftp applications are light data traffic. end-to-end delay metrics is choosen which is most important in determining the latency of the video application and throughput, network convergence parameters which effect the performance of the network. In this paper, EIGRP and IS-IS/RIP protocols performance are analysis and compared. The analysis is done by simulation using an OPNET modeler and the result shows that throughput and end-to-end delay are better for ISIS/RIP protocol whereas the EIGRP has a better network convergence activity.

5.

Survey of Related Works

Fig. 1. Network topology

4.2. Simulation results and analysis We have considered throughput, end-to-end delay and network convergence as parameters. Simulation results in Fig. 2, 3 and 4 show the point to point throughput between two routers. From the graph it can be observed that ISIS/RIP has a better throughput than EIGRP in video conferencing and E-mail applications and it is almost same in FTP traffic.

A dynamic routing protocol is responsible for path determination, routing updates and choosing the best path in a network (host node to destination node). Performance analysis of different routing protocols has been done based on different performance metrics like network convergence, router convergence, queuing delay and throughput [1] and network bandwidth utilization, CPU utilization and routing traffic [2]. Another major advancement in routing techniques is simultaneous implementation of two protocols for an efficient performance which has been shown in [3].

6.

Problem Statement and Main Contribution

Fig. 2. Throughput for vi INTRODUCTION

The Internet has been tremendous growth in past decade. Today's biggest network is intended to transfer data from one

Internet is an advanced medium for data communication and the usage of internet has increased rapidly. Because of this heavy usage there have been congestion problems in the network which reduce the performance of the network. To increase the network performance we need a suitable protocol which regulates the data flow at routers. Choosing the most suitable protocol is critical in improving the performance of IP networks. The goal of research is to determine which of the dynamic routing protocol between EIGRP and ISIS/RIP yields better performance in IP networks, considering convergence time, throughput and end to end delay parameters as constraints? EIGRP would be a better performing protocol than ISIS/RIP in terms of convergence time, throughput and end-to-end

International Journal of Research and Reviews in Ad Hoc Networks (IJRRAN) delay as parameters. We designed and implemented different scenarios using OPNET. Combination of the two protocols IS-IS and RIP is done successfully. Comparison of these protocols IS-IS/RIP and EIGRP is based on different performance metrics. Validating the results and analyzing the better protocols for network.

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7.

Problem Solution
Fig. 3. Throughput for E-mail traffic

7.1. System Model We have designed our simulation model using OPNET modeler 9.0. Fig. 1 shows the network topology used for simulation of results. Cisco 7200 routers, PPP_DS3 links, Ethernet server, 10BaseT LAN, switches are the modules considered in designing the network. There are three servers and each server support a different application i.e., ftp, email and video applications. There are three LANs which support all the three applications. In this work, we have made a detailed study about design of a network model and modules used in this project. Two scenarios were created. In the first scenario, routers were configured with EIGRP protocol and the other scenario, routers are configured with combination of ISIS and RIP protocols.

Fig. 4. Throughput for FTP traffic

Generally end-to-end delay metric is measured for video applications. From Fig. 5 the graphs depicts that ISIS/RIP takes a long time to cross the delay threshold level than compared to EIGRP network. The quality of the video packet gradually decreases and there would be latency in reaching the destination.

Fig. 1. Network topology

7.2. Simulation results and analysis We have considered throughput, end-to-end delay and network convergence as parameters. Simulation results in Fig. 2, 3 and 4 show the point to point throughput between two routers. From the graph it can be observed that ISIS/RIP has a better throughput than EIGRP in video conferencing and E-mail applications and it is almost same in FTP traffic.

Fig. 5. Packet end-to-end delay in video conferencing

Fig. 6 shows the network convergence graph, we can observe that EIGRP network converges faster than ISIS/RIP network. EIGRP network is converging at 5.0s and that of ISIS/RIP is 15.6s.

Fig. 2. Throughput for video traffic

Fig. 6. Network Convergence activity

International Journal of Research and Reviews in Ad Hoc Networks (IJRRAN)

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8.

Conclusion

After a several simulations in OPNET, the combination of IS-IS/RIP protocol shows better performance compared to EIGRP protocol in terms of throughput and end-to-end delay. Whereas, the network convergence of EIGRP protocol is better than IS-IS/RIP protocol. As a future work, this model can be implemented in real time for more realistic results. IPv6 would be a predominant in future, these protocols can be tested in IPv6 version as well for an efficient working and the security issues of these protocols can be taken as future work.

Shravan kumar Narisetty was born in Warangal India in 1987. He is Indian citizen by origin. He completed Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Commutations Engineering from KITS in 2009. He is currently undergoing Masters Programme in Electrical Engineering with emphasis on Telecommunications at Blekinge institute of Technology Karlskrona, Sweden. He had done research work on image processing in Bachelor thesis. His area of research interest is image processing and wireless network.

References
[1] S. G. Thorenoor, "Dynamic Routing Protocol Implementation Decision between EIGRP, OSPF and RIP Based on Technical Background Using OPNET Modeller, in Second International Conference on Computer and Network Technology (ICCNT), Bangkok, Apr. 2010, pp. 191-195, 23-25. S. G. Thorenoor, Communication service providers choice between OSPF and IS-IS Dynamic Routing Protocols and Implementation Criteria Using OPNET, in Second International Conference on Computer and Network Technology (ICCNT). Bangkok, Apr. 2010, pp. 38-42, 23-25. E. Lemma, S. Hussain, W. Anjelo, Performance Comparison of EIGRP/IS-IS and OSPF/IS-IS Blekinge Tekniska Hogskolan. Sweden, 2010. http://www.essays.se/essay/cc996c98ff/

Santosh Kumar Balsu was born in Hyderabad, India in 1987. He completed his Bachelor degree in Electronics and communication Eng. From Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU), Hyderabad in 2008. Now he is studying in MSc in Electrical Engineering at Blekinge Institute of Technology (BTH), Sweden. His area of research interest includes routing protocols and Asic design.

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