zebra
TLDR
Start zebra daemon
SYNOPSIS
zebra [options]
DESCRIPTION
zebra is the core routing manager daemon from Quagga (formerly GNU Zebra). It manages the kernel routing table and provides the Zserv API for protocol daemons like ospfd, bgpd, and ripd to communicate routing updates.
Zebra abstracts the kernel's routing interface, allowing protocol daemons to be portable across Unix variants. It receives routes from protocol daemons and installs them in the kernel FIB (Forwarding Information Base).
Configuration uses a Cisco-like CLI accessible via telnet or the vtysh unified shell. Routes can be viewed and static routes configured through this interface.
PARAMETERS
-d, --daemon
Run as daemon in background.-f, --config_file file
Use specified configuration file.-P, --vty_port port
VTY (telnet) port number.-A, --vty_addr address
VTY bind address.-u, --user user
Run as specified user.-g, --group group
Run as specified group.-v, --version
Display version.-h, --help
Display help.
CONFIGURATION
Config file: /etc/quagga/zebra.conf
Defines interfaces, static routes, and access control. Protocol daemons have separate configuration files.
CAVEATS
Quagga is largely superseded by FRRouting (FRR). Default VTY password should be changed. Requires root or CAPNETADMIN capability.
HISTORY
zebra originated from the GNU Zebra project by Kunihiro Ishiguro, discontinued in 2005. Quagga forked from it and maintained development until FRRouting forked from Quagga in 2017 for faster, more open development. The zebra daemon name persists in both projects.
