New Training: Configure Data Path Virtualization Technologies

In this 7-video skill, CBT Nuggets trainer Jeff Kish teaches you how to configure data path virtualization technologies. Learn how to configure VRFs, GRE Tunnels, and IPsec. Watch this new Cisco training.

Watch the full course: Cisco CCNP Enterprise Core

This training includes:

• 7 videos

• 59 minutes of training

You’ll learn these topics in this skill:

• Intro

• Configuring VRFs

• VRF Lab

• Configuring GRE Tunnels

• GRE Lab

• Configuring IPsec

• IPsec Lab

What is Virtual Routing and Forwarding (VRF)?

Virtual Routing and Forwarding (VRF) is an Internet Protocol (IP) feature that enables the existence of multiple independent routing tables, all functioning on the same switch or router. This allows multiple network paths without having multiple switches, which can improve the functionality of the network through the use of segmented network paths. VRF can further increase network security because of the way it automatically segregates traffic, and it can eliminate the need for encryption and authentication.

VRF is also known as VPN routing and forwarding. This is because Internet service providers (ISPs) often use it to create individualized VPNs for their customers.

In addition to the full implementation of VRF, there is a simpler implementation of it called VRF-Lite, where every network router participates in the virtual routing within a peer-to-peer setup. While this is easier to deploy than the full implementation of VRF, it doesn't scale well to large networks.