babeld
Loop-avoiding distance-vector routing protocol daemon.
TLDR
Start Babel routing daemon
SYNOPSIS
babeld [options] interface...
DESCRIPTION
babeld is a loop-avoiding distance-vector routing protocol daemon. Babel is designed for IPv6 and IPv4 networks, particularly wireless mesh networks, providing fast convergence and low overhead.
The daemon implements the Babel routing protocol (RFC 8966) and is suitable for small to medium-sized networks.
PARAMETERS
-c file
Configuration file-d level
Debug level (1-4)-D
Daemonize-L file
Log file-I file
PID file-S state-file
State file for persistent data-h cost
Default hello interval-H cost
Default wired hello interval
CONFIGURATION
/etc/babeld.conf
Main configuration file for interface settings, filters, and redistribution rules.
FEATURES
- Loop-free routing
- Fast convergence
- IPv4 and IPv6 support
- Link quality sensing
- Multiple routing metrics
- Extensible through configuration
CAVEATS
Requires proper network configuration. All nodes must run compatible Babel implementation. Wireless networks need link quality extensions. Not suitable for large-scale networks (use BGP/OSPF). Configuration errors can cause routing loops.
HISTORY
Babel was designed by Juliusz Chroboczek around 2008 as an improved distance-vector protocol for mesh networks, later standardized as RFC 6126 and updated to RFC 8966.