Rather counting the number of hops (routers) in the networks the OSPF defines its path on the basis of link state.
OSPF has two main features i.e. it is open to the public domain and it is based on the SPF (Shortest Path First) algorithm. OSPF routers gather the link state information in the network and determine the short possible path to the destination.
Shortest path first algorithm avoids unnecessary delays in data transmission in the point-to-point and multi access computer networks.
It is the most widely used protocol in the large networks. When an update occurs in a network OSPF multicast the information to all the routers. OSPF consist of 24-fixed size octets.
How OSPF Works
- In the OSPF the routers exchanges information with each other.
- Each router in the LAN/WAN network generates the advertisement for its links.
- The advertisement is flooded to all the routers when no OSPF configured areas are found.
- All the routers should have updated link state information.
- Updated routers establish link state to transmit the information in the network.
Advantages of OSPF
- OSPF helps the networks to converge quickly.
- It uses link state algorithm and it multicasts the updated information quickly to all the routers.
- It is an open standard.
- It supports VLSM (Variable Length Subnet Mask).
- It is most widely used routing protocol in the enterprise networks.
- OSPF networks can be segmented to decrease the routing tables and to transmit the information more quickly.
- It requires very little overhead that’s why it is very efficient network communication protocol.
- It provides optimal path utilization.
- It provides authenticated routing updates in the network.
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