Description: Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) is a link-state routing protocol used in Internet Protocol (IP) networks. OSPF is an interior gateway protocol (IGP) that allows routers to exchange information about the network topology to determine the best path for data traffic. Unlike distance-vector routing protocols, OSPF uses a more efficient algorithm, Dijkstra’s algorithm, to calculate the shortest path. This protocol is scalable and adapts well to large and complex networks by dividing the network into areas to optimize routing and reduce processing load. OSPF also supports multiple paths and provides features such as failure detection and fast convergence, making it a popular choice for enterprise and service provider environments. Its design allows interoperability between different hardware manufacturers, facilitating its implementation in various network infrastructures.
