OSPF NETWORK TYPES

There are five different network types within which OSPF operates. The following list explains the characteristics of the OSPF network types:

Broadcast

• The Broadcast network type is the default for an OSPF enabled Ethernet interface.
• The Broadcast network type requires that a link support Layer 2 Broadcast capabilities.
• The Broadcast network type has a 10 second hello and 40 second dead timer.
• An OSPF Broadcast network type requires the use of a DR/BDR.

Non-Broadcast

• The Non-Broadcast network type is the default for OSPF enabled frame relay physical interfaces.
• Non-Broadcast networks requires the configuration of static neighbors; hello’s are sent via unicast.
• The Non-Broadcast network type has a 30 second hello and 120 second dead timer.
• An OSPF Non-Broadcast network type requires the use of a DR/BDR

Point-to-Point

• A Point-to-Point OSPF network type does not maintain a DR/BDR relationship.
• The Point-to-Point network type has a 10 second hello and 40 second dead timer.
• Point-to-Point network types are intended to be used between 2 directly connected routers.

Point-to-Multipoint Non-Broadcast

• Same as Point-to-Multipoint but requires static neighbors. Used on Non-broadcast layer 2 topologies.
• Gives you the ability to define link cost on a per neighbor basis.

Point-to-Multipoint

• OSPF treats Point-to-Multipoint networks as a collective of point-to-point links.
• Point-to-Multipoint networks do not maintain a DR/BDR relationship.
• Point-to-Multipoint networks advertise a hot route for all the frame-relay endpoints.
• The Point-to-Multipoint network type has a 30 second hello and 120 second dead timer.

Comparison Table: OSPF Network Types

To summarize , we can enumerate the OSPF Network Types in the below table –

MODE	PREFERRED TOPOLOGY	SUBNET ADDRESS	ADJACENCY	RFC or CISCO
Non-Broadcast	Fully Meshed	Same	Manual configuration DR/BDR elected	RFC
Broadcast	Fully Meshed	Same	Automatic DR/BDR elected	Cisco
Point-to-multipoint	Partial Mesh or Star	Same	Automatic No DR/BDR	RFC
Point-to-multipoint Non broadcast	Partial Mesh or Star	Same	Manual configuration No DR/BDR	Cisco
Point-to-point	Partial Mesh or star, using sub interface	Different for each subnet	Automatic No DR/BDR	Cisco

Download the table: OSPF Network Types

Continue Reading:

OSPF LSA Types The Ultimate Guide

OSPF Router Types: Detailed Explanation

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rashmi Bhardwaj

I am here to share my knowledge and experience in the field of networking with the goal being – “The more you share, the more you learn.”

I am a biotechnologist by qualification and a Network Enthusiast by interest. I developed interest in networking being in the company of a passionate Network Professional, my husband.

I am a strong believer of the fact that “learning is a constant process of discovering yourself.”
– Rashmi Bhardwaj (Author/Editor)