What type of routing protocol is OSPF?

OSPF, or Open Shortest Path First, is classified as a link-state routing protocol. This type of protocol operates by having routers maintain a complete and consistent view of the network's topology, allowing them to make informed routing decisions. Each OSPF router sends out link-state advertisements (LSAs) that provide information about the state of its links and the cost associated with reaching those links. As a result, each router builds its own link-state database, from which it can calculate the shortest path to each destination using Dijkstra's algorithm.

Link-state protocols like OSPF offer several advantages over distance-vector protocols. They converge more quickly and provide better scalability and efficiency, as routers only share changes in the link state rather than the entire routing table. This allows for quicker updates and a more accurate representation of the network, minimizing routing loops and enhancing overall network stability.

In terms of OSPF's operation, it establishes neighbor adjacencies to exchange information, which helps in maintaining an up-to-date view of the network. This approach significantly contrasts with distance-vector protocols that rely on information from neighboring routers to determine the best paths, leading to slower convergence times and more potential for routing loops in larger networks.