OSPFv2 administrative distance

Devices can learn about networks from various protocols and select a route based on the source of the route information. This decision can be influenced if the default administrative distance for OSPFv2 routes is changed. Consequently, the routes to a network may differ depending on the protocol from which the routes were learned.

You can influence the device’s decision by changing the default administrative distance for OSPFv2 routes. You can configure a unique administrative distance for each type of OSPFv2 route. For example, you can configure the RUCKUS device to prefer a static route over an OSPFv2 inter-area route and to prefer OSPFv2 intra-area routes over static routes. The distance you specify influences the choice of routes when the device has multiple routes to the same network from different protocols. The device prefers the route with the lower administrative distance.

You can specify unique default administrative distances for the following OSPFv2 route types:

  • External routes
  • Intra-area routes
  • Inter-area routes
  • Route maps
Note: The choice of routes within OSPFv2 is not influenced. For example, an OSPFv2 intra-area route is always preferred over an OSPFv2 inter-area route, even if the intra-area route’s distance is greater than the inter-area route’s distance.
Parent topic: OSPFv2