When creating an IP fabric underlay using OSPF as the routing protocol, consistent interface speeds are important to ensure optimal traffic distribution and utilization of all links. Step-by-Step Breakdown:
OSPF and Interface Speeds:
OSPF calculates the cost of a link based on its bandwidth.
The default cost calculation in OSPF is:
If interface speeds vary significantly, OSPF may choose paths with lower cost (higher bandwidth), resulting in some links being underutilized.
Equal Utilization:
To ensure that all links are equally utilized in an IP fabric, it is recommended to maintain uniform interface speeds across the fabric. This ensures balanced load sharing across all available paths. Juniper Reference: IP Fabric with OSPF: Juniper recommends consistent interface speeds to maintain even traffic distribution and optimal link utilization in IP fabric underlay designs.