BGP Implementation Prerequisites in India? What Documents and Prerequisites do you need before implementing BGP?

Before you touch a router, you need four things in place: an AS number from IRINN, an IP address block (either your own or an agreement to use your ISP's), a signed peering agreement with at least one ISP, and a documented network plan covering your topology and IP addressing scheme. Skipping any one of these is the most common reason BGP implementations stall midway - ISPs won't peer without a signed agreement in hand, and IRINN won't allocate a number without documented justification for it.

IRINN membership application

Organizations requesting provider-independent resources typically obtain them through IRINN (India's National Internet Registry under APNIC), India's National Internet Registry, following APNIC allocation policies. (Verify current documentation requirements and processing time on the IRINN portal before publishing - these details need to stay current.)

IP address justification

APNIC and IRINN evaluate requests for provider-independent address space based on demonstrated need, not just a form submission. Be ready to show your network's growth plan and current utilization if you're applying for your own block.

ISP peering agreement

This is where you negotiate the terms that will shape your BGP relationship: what communities the ISP supports, prefix limits they'll accept from you, SLA terms for uptime and support response. Most ISPs require a commercial agreement before establishing BGP peering.

Network diagram requirements

Have your topology mapped out: where each BGP router sits, your IP addressing plan, and how routes will flow between your network and your ISPs. This isn't paperwork for its own sake - it's what you'll hand to your ISP's technical team during setup and what you'll reference during troubleshooting later.

Internal documentation

Draft a change management plan and rollback procedure before you go live, not after something breaks. Also plan your monitoring setup now so it's ready the moment your BGP session comes up.

Compliance documentation

If you're in banking, financial services, or government, check whether your regulatory framework requires specific documentation around network redundancy before implementation.

Checklist

AS number application submitted, IP justification prepared, ISP peering agreement signed, network diagram complete, change management plan drafted, monitoring plan ready