OSPF is a link-state routing protocol. It is designed to be run internal to a single (71) system. Each OSPF router maintains an identical (72) describing the autonomous system's topology. From this database, a routing table is calculated by constructing a shortest-path (73) . OSPF recalculates routes quickly in the face of topological changes, utilizing a minimum of routing (74) traffic. OSPF provides support for equal-cost multipath. An area routing capability is provided, enabling an additional level of routing protection and a reduction in routing protocol (75)