Networking / Beginners

OSPF Operational Environment

This section describes the basic characteristics and features of the OSPF operational environment. The features and characteristics of its operation and design define the environment in which OSPF operates. Simply put, the operational environment of OSPF is defined as the network architecture in which the protocol can function correctly.

RFC 1793, "Extending OSPF to Support Demand Circuits," provides an example that concerns adding to OSPF the capability to operate in demand-based circuits. Until this RFC was published and implemented, OSPF did not function properly when dealing with circuits such as ISDN. Now that the protocol has been adjusted to operate properly when dealing with demand-based circuits, the functional environment of the protocol has expanded.

With that example in mind, turn your attention to the four router types and the three network types that OSPF recognizes.

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