The introduction of real-time mission-critical applications (like voice-over-IP) into data networks has prompted many network designers to tune their routing protocols for faster convergence. The resulting network usually becomes highly susceptible to repetitive failures (e.g. a flapping interface), which can cause recurring instabilities in large parts of the network and significant data loss. In this IP Corner article, Ivan Pepelnjak describes how the IP Event Dampening, introduced in Cisco IOS release 12.3, can be used to increase the stability of your network, as well as how you can cope with scenarios that are beyond the scope of this feature.