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Multicasting is not always used within a single network or AS [Autonomous System]. An AS is a group of IP [Internet Protocol] networks operated by one or more network operators which has a single and clearly defined external routing policy.

An AS has a unique number associated with it which is used both in exchange of exterior routing information and as an identifier of the AS itself. Exterior routing protocols such as BGP [Border Gateway Protocol] and EGP [Exterior Gateway Protocol] are used to exchange routing information between ASes.

In routing terms an AS will normally use one or more IGP [Interior Gateway Protocols] in conjunction with some sort of common agreed metrics when exchanging network information within its own AS.

BGPs come in two flavors - interior and exterior:

• Interior border (patrol) gateway protocols are RIP [Routing Information Protocol], OSPF [Open Shortest Path First] and others

• Exterior border (patrol) gateway protocols are BGP4 (version 4)

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[tags]border gateway protocol,as,autonomous system,bgp,multicasting,exterior gateway protocol,egp[/tags]