Overview of open shortest path first, version 2 (OSPF V2) routing in the tactical environment

The United States Department of the Army is expected to mandate the use of the open shortest path first, version 2 (OSPF V2) as the interior gateway routing protocol for use across tactical communication systems that use the Internet Protocol (IP). This paper provides an overview of the OSPF V2 routing protocol and analysis of OSPF V2 routing overhead. The paper describes the minimum OSPF V2 routing overhead that can be expected when operating through the Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS). The paper also suggests changes that will allow OSPF V2 to operate better in the tactical environment.