What Does OSPF Stand For?

OSPF stands for Open Shortest Path First

OSPF, or Open Shortest Path First, is a widely used link-state routing protocol designed for Internet Protocol (IP) networks. It facilitates dynamic routing by enabling routers to exchange information about the network topology, allowing them to calculate the most efficient path for data transmission. OSPF operates within a single Autonomous System and supports both IPv4 and IPv6 addressing, making it scalable for various sizes of networks. Its features include fast convergence, support for hierarchical network design through areas, and efficient use of bandwidth by minimizing routing updates.