Border Gateway Protocol

BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) is crucial for the functioning of the internet as it manages how packets are routed across the web. It is used by ISPs and large organizations to maintain a table of IP networks or 'prefixes' which designate network reachability among autonomous systems (AS). BGP ensures that data packets find the most efficient path to their destination.

What is Border Gateway Protocol

BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) is a standardized exterior gateway protocol designed to exchange routing information between different networks, particularly across the internet. It is essential for maintaining the large-scale routing infrastructure of the internet, enabling data to traverse multiple autonomous systems (AS) efficiently.

Initially developed in the late 1980s, BGP has undergone several iterations to improve its robustness and scalability. The protocol operates by maintaining a table of IP networks or 'prefixes' which designate network reachability among AS. This allows BGP to determine the best paths for data packets to travel, ensuring efficient and reliable communication.

BGP is widely used by Internet Service Providers (ISPs), large enterprises, and data centers to manage their network traffic. It supports policies that can influence routing decisions, making it highly flexible and adaptable to various network requirements. However, its complexity also means that it requires careful configuration and management to avoid routing issues and ensure optimal performance.

Border Gateway Protocol runs on TCP and UDP port 179 and is official IANA port.

Security risk

If port 179 is open and the BGP service is running, it can be a target for various attacks such as route hijacking or BGP spoofing. Unauthorized access to BGP can lead to traffic interception, redirection, or denial of service, potentially compromising the integrity and availability of network communications.

In our UFW tutorial you can follow instructions how you can configure UFW to close port 179. Use StackChanges to monitor if the Border Gateway Protocol port is closed and stays closed. StackChanges will send an alert if port 179 is open again.