Overview
Link-state protocols work by having each router broadcast information about its own local links (status and cost) to all other routers in the network area. Every router then uses this information to build an identical 'Link State Database' (LSDB).
How it Works
- LSA (Link State Advertisement): Routers send updates about their links.
- LSDB (Link State Database): All routers store these LSAs to create a map.
- SPF (Shortest Path First): Each router runs the Dijkstra algorithm on the LSDB to find the best path to every destination.
Advantages
- Fast Convergence: Changes are propagated quickly.
- Scalability: Better suited for large networks than distance vector protocols.
- Loop-Free: The complete topology map prevents routing loops.