OSPF Interview Question Answer For L2

Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) is a widely used routing protocol in IP networks, which operates on Layer 2 (L2) of the OSI model. During an interview, a common question might pertain to how OSPF determines the best route to a destination. OSPF uses a link-state routing algorithm, where each router maintains a topology database describing the network's structure. Routers share information about their links and states, allowing them to compute the shortest path to each destination using Dijkstra's algorithm. Additionally, interviewers may inquire about OSPF's features, such as support for variable-length subnet masking (VLSM), authentication mechanisms, and the significance of OSPF areas in improving routing efficiency and reducing overhead. A solid understanding of these aspects can demonstrate a candidate's capability in managing OSPF in a real-world environment.