350-401 Question 143
Single answerA network administrator is tasked with designing a network that must support both fast convergence and hierarchical design. The network also requires the ability to summarize routes between different sections while operating within a single autonomous system. Which routing protocol is more suitable for this requirement, and why?
- A
EIGRP, because it supports advanced distance-vector algorithms and unequal-cost load balancing.
- B
EIGRP, because it uses the concept of areas to manage hierarchical design and route summarization.
- C
OSPF, because it is a link-state protocol that supports hierarchical design using areas and allows route summarization between areas.
- D
OSPF, because it supports unequal-cost load balancing and fast convergence.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
OSPF is the most suitable protocol for this scenario because it is designed as a link-state protocol that supports hierarchical network design using areas. This allows for better scalability and management of large networks. Additionally, OSPF supports route summarization between areas, which is essential for reducing the routing table size and improving efficiency in large networks. EIGRP, while offering features like unequal-cost load balancing, lacks the area-based structure that makes OSPF more suitable for hierarchical designs.
- A. Incorrect.
EIGRP supports advanced distance-vector algorithms and unequal-cost load balancing, but it does not use the concept of areas for hierarchical design. While it can summarize routes, it is not optimized for hierarchical network designs compared to OSPF.
- B. Incorrect.
EIGRP does not use the concept of areas to manage hierarchical design. It is a flat routing protocol within an autonomous system and lacks the area-based structure typical of OSPF.
- C. Correct.
OSPF is a link-state protocol that supports hierarchical design using areas. It allows for route summarization between areas, making it highly suitable for large, structured networks requiring fast convergence and scalability.
- D. Incorrect.
OSPF does not support unequal-cost load balancing. While it does provide fast convergence, this option incorrectly associates unequal-cost load balancing with OSPF, which is a feature of EIGRP.