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A link-state routing protocol lets routers share information about their local network connections, assemble a map of the network, and calculate routes from that map. OSPF Version 2 (OSPFv2) is a standards-defined example.
What “link state” means
A router’s link state describes the state of its connections to neighboring routers and networks—for example, which interfaces are usable and which neighbors can be reached. Rather than relying only on a neighbor’s already-calculated route choices, routers distribute descriptions of local links so they can each build a topology view.
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In OSPFv2, these descriptions are carried in Link State Advertisements (LSAs). The collection of LSAs is called the link-state database. RFC 2328, the OSPFv2 standard, describes each router as maintaining a database of the network’s topology.
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How a link-state protocol finds a route
- Describe local links. A router originates one or more LSAs describing relevant parts of its local state.
- Flood the information. Routers distribute LSAs through the routing domain, allowing other routers to learn the topology. In OSPFv2, adjacent routers also synchronize their databases.
- Build a topology database. Each router gathers the information into a link-state database. Routers within the same OSPF area maintain a common database for that area.
- Calculate paths independently. Each router calculates a shortest-path tree rooted at itself using the database. RFC 2328 specifies Dijkstra’s algorithm for this OSPFv2 calculation.
- Derive routes. The router uses its shortest-path tree to determine routes it can use to forward traffic.
The key idea is that routers share topology information, then calculate paths locally from that information. As the topology information changes, routers can update their view and recalculate paths.
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TP-Link AX1800 WiFi 6 Router (Archer AX21 V5)
- DUAL-BAND WIFI 6 ROUTER: Wi-Fi 6(802.11ax) technology achieves faster speeds, greater capacity and reduced network congestion compared to the previous gen. All WiFi routers require a separate modem. Dual-Band WiFi routers do not support the 6 GHz band.
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Link-state routing is a method, not one protocol
“Link-state” names a routing approach, not a single protocol or packet format. OSPFv2 is one example; its LSAs, areas, database synchronization, and specified shortest-path calculation describe OSPFv2 specifically. Those details should not automatically be attributed to every protocol that uses a link-state approach.
For the formal OSPFv2 definition and mechanics, see RFC 2328: OSPF Version 2, published by the RFC Editor in April 1998.
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TP-Link AXE5400 Tri-Band WiFi 6E Router, 2025 PCMag Editors' Choice | 2.5Gbps WAN Port for Gaming & Streaming, 6GHz Band, 160MHz, OneMesh, Dual-Core CPU, VPN & WPA3 (Archer AXE75)
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NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 6 Router R6700AX, Up to 1,500 sq ft, 1.8 Gbps | Reliable Performance, Easy Set Up, 20 devices, 4× Gigabit Port, Dual Band, AX1800
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TP-Link AC1200 Gigabit Dual Band WiFi Router (Archer A6) | MU-MIMO Wireless Internet Router, 4 x Antennas, OneMesh and AP Mode, Long Range Coverage
- Dual band router upgrades to 1200 Mbps high speed internet (300mbps for 2.4GHz plus 900Mbps for 5GHz), reducing buffering and ideal for 4K stream
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TP-Link AC1200 WiFi Router Dual Band Wireless Internet Router (Archer A54) | 4 x 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet Ports, EasyMesh Compatible, Support Guest WiFi, Access Point Mode, IPv6 & Parental Controls
- Dual-band Wi-Fi with 5 GHz speeds up to 867 Mbps and 2.4 GHz speeds up to 300 Mbps, delivering 1200 Mbps of total bandwidth¹. Dual-band routers do not support 6 GHz. Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, and obstacles such as walls.
- Covers up to 1,000 sq. ft. with four external antennas for stable wireless connections and optimal coverage.
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