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4.4.2. Point-to-Point Networks
On point-to-point links (serial, point-to-point subinterfaces), OSPF doesn't elect a DR/BDR. Both routers form full adjacencies directly.
| Network type | Default on | DR/BDR | Hello/Dead |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broadcast | Ethernet | Elected | 10/40 s |
| Point-to-point | Serial (HDLC/PPP) | None | 10/40 s |
| Non-broadcast (NBMA) | Frame Relay main interface | Elected; no multicast, so neighbors may need manual neighbor statements | 30/120 s |
| Point-to-multipoint | Configured manually | None; treated as a set of point-to-point links | 30/120 s |
Setting ip ospf network point-to-point on an Ethernet link between exactly two routers skips the DR election and its wait timer (equal to the dead interval), so the adjacency forms faster. In show ip ospf neighbor such a neighbor shows FULL/ - because no DR role exists, whereas a priority-0 router on a broadcast segment still shows a role, such as FULL/DROTHER.
Router(config)# interface GigabitEthernet0/1
Router(config-if)# ip ospf network point-to-point
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Written byAlvin Varughese
Founder•20 professional certifications