OSPF and its uses, as well as its benefits over using RIPv2
The Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) routing protocol generally is deemed superior to the Routing Information Protocol (RIP) for several reasons. However, OSPF is primarily appreciated for its speed. On the other hand, RIP is easier to set up and use than OSPF. OSPF has a greater bandwidth usage. Where RIPv2 has a Maximum Net Diameter of 15, OSPF has 65,535 and a variable setting dead interval as opposed to the 300s RIP interval. OSPF uses a link state rather than a distance vector. This is superior because it is more stable and uses fewer routing loops. It is also easier to discover the network topopology and trouble shoot a link state network. It is easier to do a high quality source routing with link state. The type and quality of service routing is better with link state vs. distance vector as well. This is because link state supports multiple rout tables.
Instead of hop count, the OSPF protocol uses true metrics RIPv2 is limited to a maximum hop count of 15 and there is no limit to OSPF. Both OSPF and RIPv2 support variable length subnet masks, which were not supported by RIPv1. All OSPF packets have the same header, only the body varies. OSPF has a fast convergence rate and it smoothes out transmissions by permitting load balancing across equal cost paths and allows external routs. OSPF has direct support for multicast. Under OSPF, each router broadcasts its connectivity with its neighbors to the entire network. OSPF also authenticates route exchanges and provides quick convergence.
References
Image Stream. (1996). The OSPF routing Protocol. Retrieved 2 13, 2012, from ImageStream: http://support.imagestream.com/OSPF.html
Jain, R. (1998, 12). Computer Networking and Internet Protocols: A Comprehensive Introduction. Retrieved 2 13, 2012, from Washington State University in St. Louis: http://www.cse.wustl.edu/~jain/bnr/
Kalyanaraman, S. (n.d.). Routing II:Protocols. Retrieved 2 12, 2012, from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute: http://www.ecse.rpi.edu/Homepages/koushik/shivkuma-teaching/sp2002/ip2002-routing-II.pdf
