Choosing the right routing protocol is essential for your network’s stability and scalability. Here’s a quick, clear comparison between OSPF and EIGRP to help you understand which protocol fits your environment.
What is OSPF?
Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) is a link-state routing protocol using Dijkstra’s algorithm to calculate the shortest path.
It is vendor-neutral (open standard) and supports hierarchical design using areas for scalability.
Best suited for large, complex, multi-vendor networks.
What is EIGRP?
Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP) is a hybrid protocol blending distance-vector and link-state features.
It uses the DUAL algorithm for fast convergence and supports unequal-cost load balancing.
Originally Cisco proprietary, now an open standard but primarily used in Cisco-centric environments.
What are the key differences between OSPF and EIGRP?
Feature
OSPF
EIGRP
Type
Link-State
Hybrid
Algorithm
Dijkstra’s SPF
DUAL
Vendor Support
Multi-vendor (Open)
Primarily Cisco
Load Balancing
Equal-cost only
Unequal-cost supported
Design
Hierarchical (Areas)
Flat (multi-process possible)
Convergence
Fast
Very Fast
Which is faster: OSPF or EIGRP?
Both are fast, but EIGRP often converges faster due to its use of Feasible Successors and partial updates, while OSPF requires recalculating the SPF tree.
Is OSPF or EIGRP better for my network?
✅ Use OSPF if you need:
Multi-vendor compatibility.
A scalable, hierarchical design.
A protocol suitable for large, complex networks.
✅ Use EIGRP if you need:
Fast convergence with efficient resource usage.
Unequal-cost load balancing.
A protocol optimized for Cisco-centric environments.
Related Questions
Q1: What is the administrative distance of OSPF and EIGRP?
OSPF: 110
EIGRP: 90 (internal), 170 (external)
Q2: Does EIGRP support multiple vendors?
While EIGRP is now an open standard, it is still primarily implemented on Cisco devices, making OSPF the better choice for multi-vendor networks.
