170 Brocade ICX 6650 Layer 3 Routing Configuration Guide
53-1002603-01
OSPF overview
In an OSPF point- to-poin t netwo rk, wher e a dire ct Layer 3 conne ction ex ists bet ween a s ingle p air of
OSPF routers, there is no need for Designated and Backup Designated Routers, as is the case in
OSPF multi-access networks. Without the need for Designated and Backup Designated routers, a
point-to-point network establishes adjacency and converges faster. The neighboring routers
become adjacent whenever they can communicate directly. In contrast, in broadcast and
non-broadcast multi-access (NBMA) networks, the Designated Router and Backup Designated
Router become adjacent to all other routers attached to the network.
To configure an OSPF point-to-point link, refer to “Configuring an OSPF point-to-point link” on
page211.
Designated routers in multi-access networks
In a network that has multiple routers attached, OSPF elects one router to serve as the designated
router (DR) and another router on the segment to act as the backup designated router (BDR). This
arrangement minimizes the amount of repetitive information that is forwarded on the network by
forwarding all messages to the designated router and backup designated routers responsible for
forwarding the updates throughout the network.
Designated router election in multi-access networks
In a network with no designated router and no backup designated router, the neighboring router
with the highest priority is elected as the DR, and the router with the next largest priority is elected
as the BDR, as shown in Figure 18
FIGURE 18 Designated and backup router election
If the DR goes off-line, the BDR automatically becomes the DR. The router with the next highest
priority becomes the new BDR. This process is shown in Figure19.
Router A
Router B
Router C
priority 10
priority 20
priority 5
Designated Backup Router
Designated Router