OSPF Interface Types

Non-Broadcast

• The Non-Broadcast network type is the default for OSPF enabled frame relay physical interfaces.
• Non-Broadcast networks requires the configuration of static neighbors; hello’s are sent via unicast.
• The Non-Broadcast network type has a 30 second hello and 120 second dead timer.
• An OSPF Non-Broadcast network type requires the use of a DR/BDR

Broadcast

• The Broadcast network type is the default for an OSPF enabled ethernet interface.
• The Broadcast network type requires that a link support Layer 2 Broadcast capabilities.
• The Broadcast network type has a 10 second hello and 40 second dead timer.
• An OSPF Broadcast network type requires the use of a DR/BDR.

Point-to-Point

• A Point-to-Point OSPF network type does not maintain a DR/BDR relationship.
• The Point-to-Point network type has a 10 second hello and 40 second dead timer.
• Point-to-Point network types are intended to be used between 2 directly connected routers.

Point-to-Multipoint

• OSPF treats Point-to-Multipoint networks as a collective of point-to-point links.
• Point-to-Multipoint networks do not maintain a DR/BDR relationship.
• Point-to-Multipoint networks advertise a hot route for all the frame-relay endpoints.
• The Point-to-Multipoint network type has a 30 second hello and 120 second dead timer.

Point-to-Multipoint Non-Broadcast

• Same as Point-to-Multipoint but requires static neighbors. Used on Non-broadcast layer 2 topologies.
• Gives you the ability to define link cost on a per neighbor basis.

Loopback

• The default OSPF network type; only available to loopback interfaces.
• Advertises the interface as a host route; changeable by configuring the interface as point-to-point.