4.6. Reflection Checkpoint

Key Takeaways

Before proceeding, ensure you can:

• Read a routing table and predict which route will be selected for a given destination
• Apply the router forwarding decision sequence: longest prefix match → administrative distance → metric
• Configure static routes (default, network, host, and floating) for both IPv4 and IPv6
• Explain WHY OSPF builds a topology database rather than sharing routing tables like RIP
• Configure single-area OSPFv2 and verify neighbor adjacencies

Connecting Forward

In Phase 5, you'll learn about the services that make networks usable for end users. DHCP automates the IP addressing you've learned about, NAT extends your IPv4 address space, and NTP ensures the timestamps in your routing protocol messages are synchronized. These services work alongside the routing infrastructure you've mastered.

Self-Check Questions

1. Two routers have OSPF configured but are stuck in INIT state. Using your knowledge of OSPF neighbor requirements, what three configuration items would you verify first?
2. A floating static route with AD 120 isn't appearing in the routing table even though the primary OSPF route was removed. What's the most likely cause?
3. When would you configure ip ospf network point-to-point on an Ethernet interface, and what benefit does this provide?