Networking / Beginners

Selecting a Routing Protocol

This section compares the two link-state protocols that are discussed in this tutorial-IS-IS and OSPF. However, consider the following issues before selecting a routing protocol:

  • Operational considerations-Determine how easy it is to manage a network over time. These considerations include how to determine a protocol's capability to adapt to changes, how to minimize disruptions to the network, and how to troubleshoot problems.
  • Technical considerations-Assist in determining whether a given protocol is capable of supporting a particular set of network requirements.
  • Business considerations-Defined as business priorities and policies that influence network design decisions. These types of considerations can originate from any area within a company and can be the keystones to the success of the network.
[Previous] [Contents] [Next]

In this tutorial:

  1. OSPF Basics
  2. What Is a Routing Protocol?
  3. Basic Routing Protocol Operation
  4. Link-State Versus Distance Vector Routing Protocols
  5. Link-State Routing Protocols
  6. OSPF Characteristics
  7. Integrated Intermediate System-to-Intermediate System
  8. Distance Vector Routing Protocols
  9. Selecting a Routing Protocol
  10. Operational Considerations
  11. Protocols Supported
  12. Routing Hierarchies
  13. IP Address Management
  14. IP Encapsulation Support
  15. Technical Considerations
  16. Routing Updates
  17. Scalability
  18. Business Considerations
  19. SPF Overview
  20. OSPF Routing Hierarchy
  21. Hierarchical Network Design Techniques
  22. Routing Types Within an OSPF Network
  23. External Routes
  24. OSPF Areas
  25. Characteristics of a Standard OSPF Area
  26. Stub Areas
  27. Not-So-Stubby Areas
  28. OSPF Operational Environment
  29. Types of OSPF Routers
  30. OSPF Network Types
  31. Router Identification
  32. Neighbors
  33. Adjacencies