In a multi-access OSPF network, what is the router role that is elected to prevent routing loops?

In a multi-access OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) network, the role that is elected to prevent routing loops and manage the exchange of routing information among routers is the Designated Router (DR). The DR is responsible for generating and distributing link-state advertisements (LSAs) to other routers within the broadcast domain, reducing the amount of routing traffic on the network and ensuring that all routers have a consistent view of the network topology.

The DR's role is critical because without it, each router would have to send LSAs to every other router in the network. This can lead to excessive traffic and potential routing loops. By having a single point of communication (the DR), updates are streamlined, and only the DR sends the updates to all other routers, known as the Backup Designated Router (BDR) and the other internal routers. This structure helps stabilize OSPF operation and prevents the complexities that could arise from multiple routers trying to disseminate the same information simultaneously.

In contrast, while the Backup Designated Router functions as a secondary option to take over if the DR fails, it does not play the primary role of preventing routing loops. The OSPF Area Border Router serves to connect OSPF areas and exchange routing information between them