OSPF Packet Exchanges (The final picture)

[turbo_engine26]

Hello all,

I've been working and studying OSPF v2 for the sake of preparing my CCIE R&S Lab exam. I'd like to say that OSPF is very simple to configure as anything else. However, the deep examination of the protocol is not that easy specially when it comes to packet types and the exact OSPF packet exchange from the time the router is turned on on the network. I am currently using a CCIE book called Routing TCP/IP Volume 1 and i see it an excellent reference to learn protocol concepts but it lacks real life scenarios. The book explained OSPF in a detailed way but not very detailed (i like details by the way) but it lacks the final picture at the end of the chapter. For example,the book explained every thing beginning from hello packet exchange till the formation of adjacencies but each in an independent section. i am trying to link these sections together and draw exactly all these exchanges in a final picture between two routers using arrows to indicate the exchanging process. These exchanges of course is very important to network admins for troubleshooting processes. I am currently drawing an OSPF packet exchaning diagram but isn't finished yet. I will upload it once i finish it to take your opinions. If possible, if anyone have a documentation or a website link for this final picture, i appreciate if you forward it to me.

Thanks a lot

Ahmed

[Peter Paluch]

Hello Ahmed,

You are probably familiar with this document, but just in case:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/tech/tk365/technologies_white_paper09186a0080094e9e.shtml#appa

Feel welcome to post any questions about the OSPF!

Best regards,

Peter

[turbo_engine26]

Hi Peter,

Good to see you again.

Thanks for the link, i am viewing it now and will get back to you if i find any difficulties.

Well,  the OSPF itself as a protocol is clear and i understand it after  several readings. However, i am trying to organise the information in my  brain to simply view OSPF and all its exchanges as an entire human  body. Any change occur in certain part in this body, other parts gets  affected. This is my idea for anything has a concept.

But yes, i will get back to you if i have any questions.

Thanks a lot

[turbo_engine26]

Hi Peter,

I finished viewing your link and i'd like to thank you for this. However, i am familiar with all the stuff mentioned in this document. The thing is that i want to grab all the exchaning processes and put in steps. Ok, here is my view after several readings, please see attached text document. (these steps also are translated to a diagram which i am working on it in the time being)

Please review it and let me know your feedback.

Thanks

[rais · Accepted solution]

Debugging OSPF process on the router while adjacency comes up could also reveal a lot of information.

Regards.

[turbo_engine26]

Thanks

Debugging has helped me perfectly.