Tech Insights

Open Shortest Path First (OSPF)

Last updated May 19, 2025, generated by Sumble

What is Open Shortest Path First (OSPF)?

Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) is a routing protocol for Internet Protocol (IP) networks. It uses a link state routing algorithm and falls into the group of interior gateway protocols, operating within a single autonomous system (AS). OSPF gathers link state information from available routers and constructs a topology map of the network. This topology is used to calculate the shortest path to each destination network. OSPF is commonly used in enterprise networks and Internet service provider (ISP) networks to efficiently route traffic.

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What other technologies are related to Open Shortest Path First (OSPF)?

Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) Competitor Technologies

Border Gateway Protocol (BGP)

BGP is an exterior gateway protocol used for inter-AS routing, while OSPF is an interior gateway protocol used within an AS. They serve different purposes and compete as routing solutions in different network scopes.

mentioned alongside Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) in 50% (284) of relevant job posts

Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP)

EIGRP is another interior gateway protocol, like OSPF, serving the same purpose within an autonomous system. They are competing routing protocols.

mentioned alongside Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) in 33% (99) of relevant job posts

Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) Complementary Technologies

Hot Standby Router Protocol (HSRP)

HSRP provides router redundancy. It can be used alongside OSPF to ensure high availability. It's a first-hop redundancy protocol, complementing OSPF's routing functionality.

mentioned alongside Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) in 69% (101) of relevant job posts

Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol (VRRP)

VRRP also provides router redundancy, similar to HSRP. It complements OSPF by ensuring high availability for routing.

mentioned alongside Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) in 72% (96) of relevant job posts

Generic Routing Encapsulation (GRE)

GRE is a tunneling protocol that can be used in conjunction with OSPF. It's used to encapsulate traffic and is a complementary technology rather than a competitor.

mentioned alongside Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) in 75% (86) of relevant job posts