Created on
12-15-2025
01:39 AM
Edited on
12-23-2025
10:12 AM
By
Stephen_G
| Description | This article describes the process of configuring Bidirectional Forwarding Detection (BFD) with BGP. |
| Scope |
FortiOS. |
| Solution |
Bidirectional Forwarding Detection (BFD) is a lightweight, low-overhead protocol that provides rapid detection of failures in the bidirectional path between two forwarding engines. On FortiGates, BFD integrates seamlessly with dynamic routing protocols like Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) to accelerate neighbor failure detection and routing convergence.
This integration is particularly valuable in:
Configuration Steps:
Enable BFD Globally (recommended):
config system settings
Enable BFD on interfaces: config system interface
Single-Hop eBGP with BFD:
On FortiGate A:
config router bgp
Repeat symmetrically on FortiGate B.
Multihop eBGP with BFD:
Additional steps for non-direct peers:
On FortiGate A:
config system settings
config system interface
config router bgp
Multihop templates (optional for custom timers/auth).
Verification Commands:
Troubleshooting: Capture BFD packets (UDP ports 3784 control, 3785 echo if used):
diagnose sniffer packet any "port 3784" 4
Enable BFD debugging:
diagnose debug application bfdd -1 |
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