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  OSPF stands for Open Shortest Path First and is a new component to the interior process of Internet routing. The routing protocol of OSPF is designed to choose the most efficient route for delivering IP packets within a single network. OSPF protocol is being used to replace the older RIP protocol in the Internet routing process. There are many advantages to the further development and use of OSPF protocol.
  
  

Scaling

• The original purpose of the OSPF protocol was to operate with large Internet networks. Because of this, the OSPF protocol must have the ability to scale up or down the number of IP packets that are sent at a time or within a time frame. This ability to adjust to increased or lower packet transmissions enables the network to continue to operate efficiently. As part of the scaling feature, the OSPF protocol will send preliminary packets to a server. These packets are called "hello" packets. Their purpose is to ensure that the link with the server is operational before sending any large packets to the server.
  
  

Routing Options

• OSPF protocol can be set to route IP packets based on a specific set of criteria that is set in the packet's type of service field. TOS Routing allows priority packets to be sent on faster links. This protocol could also aid with security measures if it was necessary to ensure that the packet wasn't intercepted in the process of delivery. OSPF routing options require that a computer on the other end be set up to receive packets that have been routed with this protocol.
  
  

Network Divides

• OSPF protocol breaks networks up into different classes. These different classes are given different levels of ranking in the OSPF protocol. The importance of that is that packets that are associated with a specific type of ranking can be transmitted more efficiently and remove excess Internet traffic from other network locations.
  
  

Direct Routing

• As is indicated with the meaning of OSPF, Open Shortest Path First, the protocol looks for the most direct route from where the IP packet originated to the destination where it must be sent. The shortest path is the route that the IP packet is sent on. This type of protocol increases response and delivery times. It also reduces the potential of a packet becoming lost in the world of cyberspace.