Simple definition
BGP Graceful Restart helps preserve forwarding during a temporary control-plane restart when supported by peers.
Purpose and use
BGP Graceful Restart aims to reduce forwarding disruption while a BGP process or control plane restarts.
How does it work?
Compatible neighbors can temporarily retain routes marked stale while the session returns and advertisements are refreshed.
Example and verification
During maintenance, check negotiated capabilities, timers and whether the restarting device actually retains working packet forwarding.
Points to watch
If its data plane has failed, retaining its routes can direct traffic toward a device unable to forward it.
In short
Graceful Restart supports a specific recovery scenario; it does not replace suitable failure detection or a working alternate path.