Oct 27, 2024

Multi-Area OSPF Configuration Guide

Video Coming Soon....

To create a multi-area OSPF configuration in Cisco Packet Tracer, you can follow the same basic steps as outlined, with a few modifications to introduce multiple OSPF areas. Here's an enhanced step-by-step guide:

Recommended Devices in Packet Tracer

Cisco 2911 Routers: Use three of these routers (R1, R2, R3) for this setup.
Cisco 2960 Switches: Use switches if you need to connect multiple PCs or other devices to each router.
End Devices (PCs): Add PCs to each network for testing connectivity.

Scenario Overview

Router 1 (R1): Belongs to Area 0 (Backbone Area), connected to Router 2 (R2).
Router 2 (R2): Acts as an Area Border Router (ABR), connected to both R1 and R3. It is part of Area 0 and Area 1.
Router 3 (R3): Belongs to Area 1, connected to Router 2 (R2).

Step 1: Access Each Router

Connect to each router via console or SSH.
Enter privileged EXEC mode:
```
enable
```

Step 2: Enter Global Configuration Mode

Enter global configuration mode:
```
configure terminal
```

Step 3: Configure OSPF on Router 1 (R1)

Define the OSPF Process:
```
router ospf 1
```
Advertise the network between R1 and R2 (e.g., 192.168.12.0/24) as Area 0:
```
network 192.168.12.0 0.0.0.255 area 0
```
Exit OSPF Configuration Mode:
```
end
```
Save the Configuration:
```
write memory
```

Step 4: Configure OSPF on Router 2 (R2) - Area Border Router

Define the OSPF Process:
```
router ospf 1
```
Advertise the network between R1 and R2 as Area 0:
```
network 192.168.12.0 0.0.0.255 area 0
```
Advertise the network between R2 and R3 (e.g., 192.168.23.0/24) as Area 1:
```
network 192.168.23.0 0.0.0.255 area 1
```
Exit OSPF Configuration Mode:
```
end
```
Save the Configuration:
```
write memory
```

Step 5: Configure OSPF on Router 3 (R3)

Define the OSPF Process:
```
router ospf 1
```
Advertise the network between R2 and R3 as Area 1:
```
network 192.168.23.0 0.0.0.255 area 1
```
Exit OSPF Configuration Mode:
```
end
```
Save the Configuration:
```
write memory
```

Step 6: Verify OSPF Configuration

Check OSPF Neighbor Relationships:
```
show ip ospf neighbor
```
Check OSPF Routing Table:
```
show ip route ospf
```
Check OSPF Process Information:
```
show ip ospf
```

Conclusion

This enhanced guide demonstrates configuring multi-area OSPF with Cisco routers in Packet Tracer or live environments. Using Cisco 2911 routers will give the best simulation experience. By following the steps and adding additional configurations, you can tailor your setup to specific networking scenarios.