Cisco OSPF Command and Configuration Handbook

The comprehensive, hands-on guide to all Cisco IOS Software OSPF commands

• Stands as the complete OSPF command reference -- invaluable for network designers, engineers, and architects
• Provides configuration, troubleshooting, and verification scenarios for every possible OSPF command supported by Cisco IOS Software that can be implemented on a minimum number of routers
• Groups OSPF commands by area of implementation -- area configuration, redistribution, neighbor relationships, and route filtering, just to name a few
• Provides clear and concise commentary on the initial release, purpose, syntax, and usage of each OSPF command
• Offers excellent CCIE certification preparation from one of the CCIE Program Managers
• Constructed as a portable field guide with easily navigable content so you can quickly find the information you need when you need it

As one of the most predominantly deployed Interior Gateway Protocols, Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) demands a wealth of knowledge on the part of internetworking professionals working with it on a daily basis. Unfortunately, publicly available documentation on the OSPF command set varies from being too thin on coverage to being too demanding on the required equipment needed to test what the documentation covers.

Cisco OSPF Command and Configuration Handbook is a clear, concise, and complete source of documentation for all Cisco IOS Software OSPF commands. The way you use this book will depend on your objectives. If you are preparing for the CCIE written and lab exams, then this book can be used as a laboratory guide to learn the purpose and proper use of every OSPF command. If you are a network designer, then this book can be used as a ready reference for any OSPF command.

Cisco OSPF Command and Configuration Handbook provides example scenarios that demonstrate the proper use of every OSPF command that can be implemented on a minimum number of routers. This will enable you to learn each command without requiring an extensive and expensive lab configuration. The scenarios clearly present the purpose and use of each command. Some of the examples lead you into common non-working situations in order to reinforce the understanding of the operation of the particular OSPF command.

Author Bill Parkhurst provides concise snapshots of every command with regard to command purpose, usage, syntax explanation, initial introduction in Cisco IOS Software, and cross references to related commands also covered in the book. This book covers many OSPF topic areas, including interface configuration, OSPF area configuration, route filtering, OSPF process configuration, route cost, default route generation, redistribution, administrative distance, OSPF neighbor relationships, route summarization, and show, debug, and clear commands.

Praise For Cisco OSPF Command and Configuration Handbook

Cisco OSPF Command and Configuration Handbook
Reviewer Name: Chuck Price, Network Specialist III
Reviewer Certification: CCNP

The Cisco OSPF Command and Configuration Handbook (ISBN 1-58705-071-4) by Dr. William Parkhurst is a must read for any network professional who is currently using, or may use, OSPF in his or her network. The book delivers exactly what the title promises. While most other books deal with the theory and the mechanics behind OSPF, this book is purely a command and configuration reference, as used on Cisco routers. Dr Parkhurst presents each OSPF command with a syntax description, an explanation as to the purpose of the command (which I found really helpful), which Cisco IOS version it was initially released in, configuration examples and a troubleshooting section.

The material is very well presented and extremely easy to read and comprehend. The configuration examples are easy to follow and implement. The troubleshooting section steps are clear, concise and easy to follow. Each chapter is concerned with different areas of OSPF configuration. There are chapters outlining show, debug and clear commands along with chapters on route filtering and route redistribution. There is even a chapter on the type 6 LSA (MOSPF). I found this informative, because I couldn’t find other documentation on type 6 LSAs.

Another aspect of the book I really liked was in how the configuration examples were presented. Each example had a network scenario and gave a step-by-step process on how to utilize the command. A network diagram was included along with outputs from the routers used in the configuration scenario. The configuration examples start with a verification phase where the correct operation is determined. Then the command is applied and the changes are outlined and displayed. The troubleshooting section outlines steps where the most common failures may occur. While you can get a lot of information from the configuration examples, it helps if you have access to routers where you can apply the commands.

While I found the book easy to comprehend, I believe it was written primarily for network professionals pursuing higher-level certification or who operate a network using OSPF. At least a basic knowledge of OSPF and link state routing protocols is needed to understand the majority of the commands; specifically the OSPF area commands, timer commands, route filtering and route redistribution. It is also very important to know OSPF terminology when reading this book, as there is no glossary that defines the terminology used in the book. If you plan to use this book for certification preparation, it is more suited toward the CCIE Routing and Switching Lab Exam rather than the written exam. It also makes a great desk reference for network professional currently using OSPF.

I would highly recommend this book to all network professionals, whether studying for Cisco certification or wanting to implement OSPF in their networks. It has helped me to understand OSPF a lot better and I am more confident in using it in my network. I am also looking forward to reading the Cisco BGP-4 Command and Configuration Handboo by Dr. Parkhurst.

Online Sample Chapter

Cisco OSPF Route Redistribution

Index

Download - 182 KB -- Index

Table of Contents

Introduction.


1. OSPF Process Configuration Commands.

Errata

Errata - 21.5 KB -- Errata