Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) is the backbone of internet routing, allowing networks to communicate efficiently across different autonomous systems. If you’re managing a Meraki network and want to implement BGP, the good news is that Meraki’s intuitive GUI makes this process straightforward. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the exact steps to configure BGP using the Meraki Dashboard, ensuring your network enjoys improved routing flexibility and resilience.
What is BGP and Why Use It with Meraki?
BGP is a standardized exterior gateway protocol designed to exchange routing and reachability information between different networks on the internet. For organizations running multiple connections (such as dual internet links or multi-site setups), BGP enables dynamic path selection, failover, and optimal traffic routing.
Meraki MX Security Appliances support BGP as part of their advanced WAN features, which is perfect for enterprises seeking robust connectivity and granular traffic control.
Pre-Requisites Before You Begin
- A Cisco Meraki MX appliance with firmware supporting BGP.
- Access to the Meraki Dashboard with admin privileges.
- Public or private AS (Autonomous System) numbers assigned.
- WAN interfaces connected to your ISPs or peer routers.
- Basic understanding of your network topology and IP assignments.
Step-by-Step Guide to Implement BGP on Meraki Through the GUI
Step 1: Log in to Meraki Dashboard
Head to dashboard.meraki.com and log in with your Meraki admin account credentials. Navigate to the network where your MX appliance resides.
Step 2: Access the Security Appliance Settings
From the left sidebar, go to Security & SD-WAN > Configure > Addressing & VLANs. This page lets you define interfaces and VLAN assignments.
Step 3: Enable BGP on Your Appliance
- Scroll down to the Dynamic Routing section.
- Click Edit next to Dynamic Routing settings.
- You’ll see options for OSPF and BGP. Select BGP to enable the protocol.
- Enter your Local ASN (Autonomous System Number). This is the AS number assigned to your organization.
- Specify the BGP Peer IP Address — this is the IP address of your ISP or neighboring router you’re peering with.
- Enter the Remote ASN — the autonomous system number of your BGP peer.
Step 4: Configure WAN Interfaces for BGP
Meraki MX appliances typically have multiple WAN ports. Each WAN interface can have its own dynamic routing settings.
- Still under Dynamic Routing, assign the WAN interface(s) to be used with BGP.
- You can configure BGP on one or multiple WAN links, depending on your setup.
- Add additional BGP peers if you have multiple ISP connections.
Step 5: Configure BGP Route Advertisements
Meraki allows you to advertise specific subnets through BGP:
- Under BGP settings, specify the Networks to Advertise.
- Add your internal LAN subnets or any IP routes that should be announced to BGP peers.
- Save your changes.
Step 6: Review and Save
Once all parameters are filled in, click Save Changes at the bottom of the page. The Meraki MX appliance will initiate BGP sessions with its peers.
Step 7: Verify BGP Status
To ensure the sessions are up and running:
- Navigate to Security & SD-WAN > Monitor > Routing Table.
- Look for BGP routes and the status of your BGP peers.
- Healthy BGP sessions will show as Established and routes will appear in the table.
Tips for a Smooth BGP Deployment on Meraki
- Always double-check your ASN numbers; mixing up local and remote ASNs is a common issue.
- Use private AS numbers in development or lab environments.
- Carefully plan route advertisements to avoid accidentally routing unwanted traffic.
- Take advantage of Meraki’s logging and troubleshooting tools if BGP sessions don’t come up as expected.
Wrapping Up
Implementing BGP on your Meraki MX appliance doesn’t have to be complicated. Using the Meraki Dashboard GUI simplifies complex routing configurations, empowering network admins to leverage advanced WAN capabilities with ease. Whether you’re optimizing multi-WAN bandwidth utilization or preparing your network for scalable growth, mastering BGP on Meraki is a smart step forward.
Happy networking!
