CCNP-Studies
Routing
1-EIGRP
7 Sia Query and Reply

EIGRP SIA-Query and SIA-Reply Packets

In the context of EIGRP (Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol), SIA-Query (Opcode 10) and SIA-Reply (Opcode 11) packets have specific roles in network communication. Let's explore these packet types and their functions:

SIA-Query (Opcode 10):

  • As defined in RFC 7868: Section 4.4.1, SIA-Query packets, identified by Opcode 10, serve a unique purpose in EIGRP. These packets are always sent reliably, ensuring their dependable delivery.

  • SIA-Query packets are dispatched when there's a need to inquire about "Stuck-In-Active" (SIA) routes. These are routes that are considered problematic and are undergoing active route search.

  • Notably, SIA-Query packets are sent at a specific timing. They are transmitted halfway through the Active timeout period, which is set to 90 seconds by default. This timing ensures timely identification and resolution of SIA route issues.

  • In cases where a neighboring router fails to respond to the SIA-Query within a reasonable timeframe, the adjacency between the routers may reset or terminate. This mechanism helps maintain the stability and health of the EIGRP network.

SIA-Reply (Opcode 11):

  • Correspondingly, SIA-Reply packets, identified by Opcode 11, are also always sent reliably, guaranteeing their secure transmission.

  • These packets serve as responses to SIA-Query packets. When a router receives an SIA-Query from a neighboring router, it sends back an SIA-Reply to provide information about the SIA routes it knows about.

  • The SIA-Reply packets contribute to the resolution of SIA route problems by sharing information among routers in the EIGRP network.

Verification:

To effectively manage and monitor EIGRP networks involving SIA-Query and SIA-Reply packets, consider using the following verification commands:

  • show ip eigrp interfaces [interface] [detail]: This command provides detailed insights into EIGRP interfaces, including their configuration and operational status. It's a valuable tool for assessing the state of interfaces involved in the EIGRP process.

  • show ip eigrp neighbor [detail]: Use this command to access comprehensive information about EIGRP neighbors. It offers details such as IP addresses, hold times, and neighbor state, allowing you to verify the health of neighbor relationships.

  • debug eigrp packets [terse] [detail]: Enabling this debug command allows for detailed monitoring of EIGRP packets, including SIA-Query and SIA-Reply packets. It can be instrumental in diagnosing network issues related to SIA routes.

  • show ip eigrp traffic: With this command, you can obtain an overview of EIGRP traffic statistics, helping you assess the frequency and volume of SIA-Query and SIA-Reply packets in the network.

  • show ip protocols: For a comprehensive view of IP routing protocols in use, including EIGRP, this command provides detailed information. It offers insights into routing protocol settings and parameters.

In summary, SIA-Query (Opcode 10) and SIA-Reply (Opcode 11) packets are vital components in EIGRP for handling Stuck-In-Active routes. They are sent reliably and play a crucial role in maintaining network stability. The provided verification commands are valuable for monitoring and troubleshooting EIGRP networks involving these packet types.