4.5.6.2.3.3 OSPF Virtual Link Configuration

All OSPF areas must connect to the backbone. If an area does not have a direct physical connection to the backbone, you can configure a virtual link that provides a logical path to the backbone. To connect an isolated area to the backbone, the logical path can cross a single nonbackbone area to reach the backbone. To define the path, you must specify one endpoint on the ABR that connects the isolated area to the common nonbackbone area, and the other endpoint on the ABR that connects this common nonbackbone area and the backbone itself. (However, note that you cannot configure a virtual link that runs through a stub or NSSA area.)

Virtual links can also be used to create a redundant link between any area and the backbone to help prevent partitioning, or to connect two existing backbone areas into a common backbone.

To configure a virtual link, specify the transit area through which the endpoint routers connect, and the address of the router on this side of the link.

Parameter

Description

Area ID

An identifier for the transit area the virtual link crosses

Neighbor IP

The IP address of the OSPF router on this end of the virtual link.

 

 

WGS3 Layer 3 Switch User’s Manual

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