In preparation of your CCNP exam, we want to make sure we cover the various concepts that we could see on your Cisco CCNP exam. So to assist you, below we will discuss on of the more difficult CCNP concepts; Cisco® OSPF Database guide. As you progress through your CCNP exam studies, I am sure with repetition you will find this topic becomes easier. So even though it may be a difficult concept and confusing at first, keep at it as no one said getting your Cisco certification would be easy!

Introduction

This guide shows sample configurations of Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) in different network environments. Specifically, the purpose of this guide is to examine the OSPF database in various environments. The examples fall into the following categories:

• Network Types
• Multiple Area and Types of Areas
• Default Routes into Various Area Types

Network Types

The following sample configuration documents fall under the Network Types category:

• OSPF Routers Connected by an Unnumbered Serial Link
• OSPF Routers Connected by a Numbered Point-to-Point Link
• OSPF Routers Connected by a Point-to-Multipoint Link
• OSPF Routers Connected by a Multi-Access Network

Multiple Area and Types of Areas

The following sample configuration documents fall under the Multiple Area and Types of Areas category:

• OSPF Inter-Area Routing
• How OSPF Propagates External Routes into Multiple Areas
• OSPF Virtual Link
• OSPF Not So Stubby Area Type 7 to Type 5 Link-State Advertisement Conversion

Default Routes into Various Area Types

The following sample configuration documents fall under the Default Routes into Various Area Types category:

• How OSPF Injects a Default Route into a Normal Area
• How OSPF Injects a Default Route into a Stub or Totally Stub Area
• How OSPF Injects a Default Route into a Not So Stubby Area

I hope you found this article to be of use and it helps you prepare for your Cisco CCNP certification. I am sure you will quickly find out that hands-on real world experience is the best way to cement the CCNP concepts in your head to help you pass your CCNP exam!