Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:
To verify the correct answers, let's analyze how BGP/MPLS IP VPN is used for secure communication and isolation in an enterprise network.
1. Understanding BGP/MPLS IP VPN Concepts
MPLS VPN (Multiprotocol Label Switching Virtual Private Network) is used to:
* Allow communication between specific sites by using Route Targets (RTs).
* Ensure isolation of specific areas (e.g., R&D vs. non-R&D) by controlling RT import/export policies
.
* Utilize Route Distinguisher (RD) to make overlapping IP addresses unique within the VPN.
2. Analyzing the Answer Choices
# A. "To enable communication between the headquarters and branch R&D areas, both the ERT and IRT of VPN1 and VPN2 can be set to 100:100." # TRUE
* Explanation:
* ERT (Export Route Target) and IRT (Import Route Target) define which VPNs share routing information.
* If VPN1 (HQ R&D) and VPN2 (Branch R&D) use the same RT (100:100), they will exchange routes, enabling communication.
* Correct configuration:
VPN1: ERT 100:100, IRT 100:100
VPN2: ERT 100:100, IRT 100:100
* # This is correct and enables communication between HQ and branch R&D areas.
# B. "To implement communication between the headquarters and branch R&D areas, the RDs of VPN1 and VPN2 need to be set to the same value." # FALSE
* Explanation:
* RD (Route Distinguisher) is only used to make overlapping IP addresses unique within the MPLS VPN.
* RD does NOT control route exchange between VPNs (RTs control route exchange).
* VPN1 and VPN2 can have different RDs but still communicate if they share the same RT (100:100).
* # RDs do NOT need to be the same for VPNs to communicate.
* # This statement is false.
# C. "R&D areas and non-R&D areas have overlapping address spaces. Therefore, services in the two areas cannot be isolated." # FALSE
* Explanation:
* Overlapping address spaces are common in MPLS VPNs and can be isolated using unique Route Targets (RTs).
* As long as VPNs have different RTs, their traffic remains isolated.
* For example:
VPN1 (R&D): RT 100:100
VPN3 (non-R&D): RT 200:200
* Even with overlapping IPs, R&D and non-R&D areas are completely isolated.
* # This statement is false.
# D. "To isolate R&D areas from non-R&D areas at the headquarters, the RTs of VPN1 can all be set to 100:100 and the RTs of VPN3 can all be set to 200:200." # TRUE
* Explanation:
* Setting different RTs for R&D (100:100) and non-R&D (200:200) ensures complete isolation
.
* Correct configuration:
VPN1 (R&D): RT 100:100
VPN3 (non-R&D): RT 200:200
* Since VPN1 and VPN3 do NOT share the same RTs, their routes remain separate.
* # This ensures isolation between R&D and non-R&D areas.