.. _example_protocols_bgp_maximum-paths_maximum-paths:

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Maximum-Paths
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Scenario to verify BGP **maximum-paths** functionality for ECMP (Equal-Cost
Multi-Path) load balancing with **eBGP** sessions.

ECMP allows BGP to install multiple equal-cost paths in the routing table for the
same destination, enabling traffic load balancing across multiple next-hops. By
default, BGP selects only a single best path. The ``maximum-paths ebgp <N>``
command sets the maximum number of eBGP paths for ECMP, requiring multiple eBGP
neighbors advertising the same prefix.

The test uses a topology with **DUT0** receiving the same route
(``192.168.10.0/24``) from two eBGP peers (**DUT1** and **DUT2**). Initially
configured with ``maximum-paths ebgp 1``, only one path is installed. After
changing to ``maximum-paths ebgp 2``, both paths are installed in the routing
table for ECMP load balancing.

.. image:: maximum-paths.svg
  :width: 400

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Test BGP Maximum Paths
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Description
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Test BGP maximum-paths eBGP for ECMP: initially with 1 path only one route
is installed, after changing to 2 both paths are installed for load balancing.

Scenario
========

.. include:: maximum-paths/testbgpmaximumpaths

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