Description

OSPF routing protocol supports a two-tier hierarchical structure. By utilizing a two-tier or multiarea OSPF design, you can increase the network scalability and reduce the load and utilization on routers due to fewer SPF calculations and smaller routing tables. This course first describes differences between single-area and multiarea OSPF design. The course describes how OSPF implementation should be planned as well as describes how to configure and verify multiarea OSPF design in an IPv4 network.
OSPF is a link-state routing protocol and therefore it scales well with a growing network. However, this scalability introduces complexity in design, configuration, and maintenance. This course introduces OSPF neighbor states, which are important when troubleshooting OSPF adjacencies. It explains some of the common issues that arise with an OSPF network, provides a flow chart approach to troubleshooting these issues, and offers troubleshooting recommendations.
OSPF is a widely used IGP. Upgrading the protocol to support IPv6 generated a number of significant changes to how the protocol behaves. Understanding the differences between OSPFv2 and OSPFv3 is required for the successful deployment and operation of an IPv6 network that is using OSPF for routing. This course ends by describing OSPFv3, which is the IPv6-capable version of the OSPF routing protocol, and describes its operations and implementation.