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Nortel Networks 42C4911 manual Defining Areas, Assigning the Area Index

Models: 42C4911

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Alteon OS Application Guide

Defining Areas

If you are configuring multiple areas in your OSPF domain, one of the areas must be desig- nated as area 0, known as the backbone. The backbone is the central OSPF area and is usually physically connected to all other areas. The areas inject routing information into the backbone which, in turn, disseminates the information into other areas.

Since the backbone connects the areas in your network, it must be a contiguous area. If the backbone is partitioned (possibly as a result of joining separate OSPF networks), parts of the AS will be unreachable, and you will need to configure virtual links to reconnect the parti- tioned areas (see “Virtual Links” on page 198).

Up to three OSPF areas can be connected to the GbE Switch Module with Alteon OS software. To configure an area, the OSPF number must be defined and then attached to a network inter- face on the switch. The full process is explained in the following sections.

An OSPF area is defined by assigning two pieces of information—an area index and an area ID. The command to define an OSPF area is as follows:

>># /cfg/l3/ospf/aindex <area index>/areaid <n.n.n.n>

NOTE – The aindex option above is an arbitrary index used only on the switch and does not represent the actual OSPF area number. The actual OSPF area number is defined in the areaid portion of the command as explained in the following sections.

Assigning the Area Index

The aindex <area index> option is actually just an arbitrary index (0-2) used only by the GbE Switch Module. This index does not necessarily represent the OSPF area number, though for configuration simplicity, it should where possible.

For example, both of the following sets of commands define OSPF area 0 (the backbone) and area 1 because that information is held in the area ID portion of the command. However, the first set of commands is easier to maintain because the arbitrary area indexes agree with the area IDs:

„Area index and area ID agree

/cfg/l3/ospf/aindex 0/areaid 0.0.0.0 (Use index 0 to set area 0 in ID octet format) /cfg/l3/ospf/aindex 1/areaid 0.0.0.1 (Use index 1 to set area 1 in ID octet format)

„Area index set to an arbitrary value

/cfg/l3/ospf/aindex 1/areaid 0.0.0.0 (Use index 1 to set area 0 in ID octet format) /cfg/l3/ospf/aindex 2/areaid 0.0.0.1 (Use index 2 to set area 1 in ID octet format)

194 „ Chapter 12: OSPF

42C4911, January 2007

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Nortel Networks 42C4911 manual Defining Areas, Assigning the Area Index
Page 193 Page 195

42C4911 specifications

Nortel Networks 42C4911 is a key hardware component designed to meet the needs of modern telecommunications infrastructure. As part of Nortel's extensive portfolio, the 42C4911 has made a significant impact on network design and operation, particularly in enterprises requiring reliable and efficient communication solutions.

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Overall, the Nortel Networks 42C4911 stands out as a versatile and powerful component in the telecommunications landscape. Its modular design, compatibility with diverse technologies, reliability, and emphasis on security make it an appealing choice for organizations looking to enhance their networks. As companies continue to navigate the complexities of communication, devices like the 42C4911 play a crucial role in ensuring that they remain connected and efficient.