Improving Convergence in OSPF Network

Steps to Improve Convergence

Question

Which two steps can be taken to improve convergence in an OSPF network? (Choose two.)

Answers

Explanations

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A. B. C. D. E.

CD.

OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) is a popular routing protocol used in large enterprise networks. OSPF is designed to be fast and efficient, and it is typically very reliable. However, there are several steps that network administrators can take to improve the convergence of OSPF networks.

  1. Use Bidirectional Forwarding Detection (BFD): BFD is a protocol that is designed to detect faults in the forwarding path between two routers, including physical interface failures and routing protocol failures. By using BFD, OSPF can quickly detect and respond to network changes, resulting in faster convergence times.

  2. Tune OSPF parameters: OSPF has several configurable parameters that can be used to optimize its performance. For example, the OSPF dead interval timer can be adjusted to reduce the time it takes for a router to detect a neighbor failure. Similarly, the OSPF hello interval timer can be adjusted to reduce the time it takes for a router to discover new neighbors.

  3. Merge all the areas into one backbone area: By merging all the OSPF areas into a single backbone area (Area 0), network administrators can simplify the network topology and reduce the complexity of OSPF routing. This can lead to faster convergence times and improved network stability.

  4. Make all non-backbone areas stub areas: By designating all non-backbone areas as stub areas, OSPF can reduce the amount of information that is flooded throughout the network. This can reduce the size of OSPF databases and improve convergence times.

  5. Span the same IP network across multiple areas: This technique, known as multi-area adjacency, can be used to improve the scalability of OSPF networks. By spanning the same IP network across multiple areas, network administrators can reduce the size of OSPF databases and improve convergence times.

In summary, using BFD, tuning OSPF parameters, merging all areas into one backbone area, making all non-backbone areas stub areas, and spanning the same IP network across multiple areas are all effective techniques for improving the convergence of OSPF networks.