OSPF Multi-Area & Redistribution
This lab builds a multi-area OSPF network end to end, the exact skill CCNP ENARSI tests, and one most home labs can't run at full scale without real Cisco IOS images.
The problem
Area 3's routers can see routes from Area 0, but a static host behind Area 3 is unreachable from Area 0, and the summarization you'd expect at the ABR isn't showing up in the routing table at all.
What you'll practice
- Design and configure a multi-area OSPF topology (Area 0 + non-backbone areas)
- Identify and interpret LSA types across area boundaries
- Summarize routes at ABRs and ASBRs
- Redistribute routes between OSPF and EIGRP with route-maps and filtering
- Troubleshoot suboptimal routing and redistribution loops
The topology
Five Cisco IOS routers form a hub-and-spoke multi-area OSPF network, one core router in Area 0 connecting four area routers, so you can practice area design, summarization and redistribution without a simulated/limited IOS subset.
Frequently asked
Is this real Cisco IOS or a simulator?
Real Cisco IOS images running on EVE-NG, full CLI behavior, not a simulated subset like Packet Tracer.
Does this cover the CCNP ENARSI exam topics?
Yes. Multi-area OSPF, LSA types, summarization and redistribution are core ENARSI (300-410) blueprint topics.
Ready to run this lab yourself?
No setup, no image sourcing. Book a session or ask for a live demo.