Advanced Router Tech Practice Test

In the context of OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) and serial interfaces, the bandwidth of an interface is important because it impacts OSPF's calculation of the cost to reach a destination. The bandwidth parameter often corresponds to the physical capabilities of the serial interface being used, particularly those based on older standards, such as T1 lines.

A T1 line is a standard for digital transmission, and it operates at a speed of 1.544 Mbps, which is commonly rounded down in networking discussions to 1.5 Mbps for simplicity in calculations. In OSPF, the cost is computed as a function of this bandwidth, where the default cost metric for OSPF is calculated as 10^8 divided by the bandwidth in bits per second.

For a correctly configured serial interface (like a T1), the relevant bandwidth would typically be recognized as 1.5 Mbps, making this the right choice. This figure is key for ensuring OSPF functions optimally and that routing decisions are based on accurate metrics reflecting the capacity of the links involved. This understanding is essential for effective network design and troubleshooting within OSPF configurations.