OSPF Authentication

OSPF authentication ensures that only trusted routers can exchange routing information, preventing unauthorized updates and improving network security.

Authentication Types:

  • Plain Text Authentication: Simple but insecure, as passwords are sent in clear text.
  • MD5 Authentication: More secure, using MD5 hashes for authentication. Recommended over plain text.

Configuration Example (MD5):

interface GigabitEthernet0/0
 ip ospf authentication message-digest
 ip ospf message-digest-key 1 md5 cisco
router ospf 1
 area 0 authentication message-digest