Overview

OSPFv3 is the IPv6 implementation of Open Shortest Path First protocol (OSPFv2 is the IPv4 implementation of this protocol). OSPFv3 is a routing protocol which is described in RFC5340 entitled OSPF for IPv6. It is a link-state based IGP (Interior Gateway Protocol) routing protocol. It is widely used with medium to large-sized enterprise networks.

The characteristics of OSPFv3 are:
  • Provides a loop free topology using SPF algorithm.

  • Allows hierarchical routing using area 0 (backbone area) as the top of the hierarchy.

  • Supports load balancing with equal cost routes for same destination.

  • OSPFv3 is a classless protocol and allows for a hierarchical design with VLSM (Variable Length Subnet Masking) and route summarization.

  • Scales enterprise size network easily with area concept.

  • Provides fast convergence with triggered, incremental updates through Link State Advertisements (LSAs).

Some OSPFv3 configuration is done in the configuration context, others in the OSPFv3 router context, or in the interface context. OSPFv3 can be configured on routed ports, VLAN interfaces, LAG interfaces, and loopback interfaces. All such configurations work in the mentioned interfaces context. OSPFv3 mandates the associated interface to be routing interface.

The switch supports congestion control (prioritizing hello packets, inactivity timer reset, and adjacency throttling).