Intermediate-system-to-intermediate-system (IS-IS) is a link-state interior gateway protocol (IGP) which uses the Shortest Path First (SPF) algorithm to determine routes. Routing decisions are made using the link-state information. IS-IS evaluates topology changes and, if necessary, performs SPF recalculations.
Entities within IS-IS include networks, intermediate systems, and end systems. In IS-IS, a network is an autonomous system (AS), or routing domain, with end systems and intermediate systems. A router is an intermediate system. End systems are network devices which send and receive protocol data units (PDUs), the OSI term for packets. Intermediate systems send, receive, and forward PDUs.
End system and intermediate system protocols allow routers and nodes to identify each other. IS-IS sends out link-state updates periodically throughout the network, so each router can maintain current network topology information.
IS-IS supports large ASs by using a two-level hierarchy. A large AS can be administratively divided into smaller, more manageable areas. A system logically belongs to one area. Level 1 routing is performed within an area. Level 2 routing is performed between areas. The routers can be configured as level 1, level 2, or both level 1/2.
Figure: IS-IS routing domain displays an example of an IS-IS routing domain.
