A method for distributing aggregate routes that does not require a user to
provision a next hop address or specify a redistribution policy is
presented. Embodiments of the method utilize a modified command language
interface (CLI) with a network device (e.g., router). In the various
embodiments, the modified CLI is well-suited for use in routers that
utilize interior gateway protocols such as open shortest path first
(OSPF), routing information protocol (RIP), integrated intermediate
system-to-intermediate system (ISIS), interior gateway routing protocol
(IGRP), enhanced interior gateway routing protocol (EIGRP), and NetWare
link services protocol (NLSP). In one or more embodiments, the invention
has the advantage of providing an easier means of specifying aggregate
routes, which saves user time and is less error-prone.