What is the default administrative distance for OSPF?

The default administrative distance for OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) is set at 110. Administrative distance is a value used by routers to determine the trustworthiness of a routing protocol. When multiple routes to the same destination are available from different routing protocols, the router uses the administrative distance to choose the best route to install in the routing table.

OSPF, being a link-state routing protocol, is primarily utilized in larger networks for its efficiency in route calculation and fast convergence times. The value of 110 is significant as it allows OSPF to have a reliable standing when compared to other routing protocols. For instance, EIGRP has a default administrative distance of 90, while RIP has a distance of 120. This means that if both OSPF and RIP were available for routing decisions, OSPF would be preferred due to its lower administrative distance.

Understanding this concept is crucial for network engineers, as it helps them configure and troubleshoot routing protocols, ensuring that their networks operate efficiently. Thus, knowing the default administrative distance of OSPF is essential for effective network design and management.