DELL 9.7(0.0) User Manual

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Virtual Links
In the case in which an area cannot be directly connected to Area 0, you must configure a virtual link 
between that area and Area 0.
The two endpoints of a virtual link are ABRs, and you must configure the virtual link in both routers. The 
common non-backbone area to which the two routers belong is called a transit area. A virtual link 
specifies the transit area and the router ID of the other virtual endpoint (the other ABR).
NOTE: You cannot configure a virtual link through a stub area or NSSA.
Router Priority and Cost
Router priority and cost is the method the system uses to “rate” the routers.
For example, if not assigned, the system selects the router with the highest priority as the DR. The second 
highest priority is the BDR.
• Priority is a numbered rating 0 to 255. The higher the number, the higher the priority.
• Cost is a numbered rating 1 to 65535. The higher the number, the greater the cost. The cost assigned 
reflects the cost should the router fail. When a router fails and the cost is assessed, a new priority 
number results.
Figure 94. Priority and Cost Examples
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Open Shortest Path First (OSPFv2 and OSPFv3)