OSPF
OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) is a link-state routing protocol used in IP networks to dynamically determine the best paths for data packets. It operates within an autonomous system (AS) by exchanging link-state advertisements (LSAs) to build a complete topology map, then uses Dijkstra's algorithm to compute the shortest path tree. OSPF is widely deployed in enterprise and service provider networks due to its scalability, fast convergence, and support for variable-length subnet masking (VLSM).
Developers should learn OSPF when working on network engineering, cloud infrastructure, or systems administration roles that involve designing or troubleshooting IP routing. It is essential for implementing dynamic routing in medium to large networks, such as data centers or corporate WANs, where static routing becomes impractical. Knowledge of OSPF is also valuable for certifications like Cisco CCNA/CCNP and for optimizing network performance and redundancy.