Configuring OSPF Over Non-Broadcast Multiaccess Networks (NBMA)

All network communication happens using the standard OSI framework. At each layer a set of protocols work which standardize the requirements of communication and prepare data which is universally acceptable to the next layer. Of network communication the most important aspect is data packet routing – there are several protocols available to support routing such as TCP/IP, OSPF etc. The one which gives the optimal route from source to destination is preferably considered for communication over large heterogeneous networks.

In today’s article we will look more in detail about how OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) link state routing protocols work over non broadcast networks (NBMA), how to configure OSPF over NBMA, its features and limitations. 

OSPF Over Non-Broadcast Networks (NBMA) 

OSPF is a link state routing protocol (used mostly widely) which uses information about the state of network links to ascertain or determine the best path for data packets. There are three types of network types in OSPF which determine how OSPF will route data packets across networks.

• Broadcast
• Point-to-Point 
• No Broadcast 

In addition to above there are two more Cisco proprietary network types 

• Point to Multipoint
• Point to Multipoint Non broadcast 

Since the point of focus in this article is No Broadcast networks (NBMA), we will go deeper into this. Non broadcast OSPF networks used in point-to-point links where multiple OSPF routers are connected such as frame relay, X.25, ATM virtual circuits (not used nowadays). For all hosts in a single NBMA network, data is sent from one host to another without broadcasting information across all hosts. Switched networks or virtual circuits provide direct routing of data packets. NMBA communicates directly to other hosts but on the same physical link other hosts can’t connect to it. NBMA uses next hop resolution protocol (NHRP) to find routes automatically through the network 

Configure OSPF Over Non-Broadcast Networks (NBMA) 

Non broadcast Multiaccess (NBMA) broadcast model based on selection of designated router (DR) and a backup designated router (BDR). There are two ways to deploy this: defining the network type as broadcast with the IP OSPF network broadcast interface sub command or configure the neighbor statements using router OSPF command. 

1. Configuration for NBMA (use Network Type Broadcast)

Router 1 Configuration 

Router 2 Configuration 

2. Configuration for NBMA (use Neighbour statements) 

Router 1 Configuration

Router 2 Configuration

OSPF Non-broadcast Network Features 

• Network can connect more than two routers but by default they cannot broadcast
• Multipoint frame relay interfaces are default network type for OSPF 
• OSPF routers on NBMA networks choose a DR (Designated router) and a BDR (backup designated router), all OSPF packets are unicast between each neighbor specified with ‘neighbor’ command
• The next hop IP do not change and remains same as IP address of the router which sent the packet
• The assigned priority by default is ‘1’ and should be set to = 0 (turned off) on ALL SPOKES to stop spoke from becoming a blackhole DR/BDR
• 30 seconds is Hello interval and 120 seconds is dead interval in OSPF 

Pros & Cons of OSPF over NBMA

PROS

• Easier to control traffic flow on network and also helpful to limit amount of traffic goes through a particular link
• Non broadcast network types are secure since hackers can easily intercept broadcast which will not happen here

CONS

• Difficult to configure as it requires manual neighbor configuration
• Difficult to scale on OPSF networks as compared to other network types
• Limited feature availability of OSPF features when this network type is used
• Susceptible to certain types of faults 

Continue Reading:

OSPF Neighbor States Explained

OSPFv2 vs OSPFv3: Detailed Comparison

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)