OSPF Routing Protocol Type | Generated by AI
Question: Which type of routing protocol is OSPF?
Answer:
OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) is a Link State routing protocol.
Explanation:
- Link State protocols (like OSPF and IS-IS) flood detailed topology information (link states) throughout the routing domain. Each router builds a complete map of the network and uses Dijkstra’s Shortest Path First (SPF) algorithm to calculate the best paths to all destinations.
- In contrast:
- Distance Vector protocols (e.g., RIP, EIGRP in its classic mode) share only distance metrics and next-hop information with neighbors, without full topology visibility.
- Path Vector protocols (e.g., BGP) exchange full path attributes (AS paths) to prevent loops in inter-domain routing.
- Hybrid protocols (sometimes used to describe EIGRP) combine elements of both distance vector and link state but are not pure link state.
Thus, the correct answer is B) Link State.
(Note: Option A is incorrect as it applies to protocols like RIP.)