This project demonstrates an inter-protocol routing design implemented in PNETLab, focusing on seamless communication between multiple routing protocols. OSPF is used as the core routing protocol with a multi-area hierarchical structure, while RIPv2 and EIGRP (AS 100) are integrated at the network edges.
Sajjad-Qasemi Project – Inter-Protocol Routing (PNETLab) 📌 Project Overview
This project is a comprehensive inter-protocol routing lab designed and implemented in PNETLab. It demonstrates how multiple routing protocols interact, redistribute routes, and maintain end-to-end connectivity across a complex enterprise-scale network.
The lab focuses on OSPF as the core protocol, while integrating RIPv2 and EIGRP (AS 100) at the edge. Route redistribution is carefully configured to ensure full reachability between all areas and protocols.
🧠 Network Design Summary Core Protocol
OSPF (Open Shortest Path First)
Multi-area hierarchical design
Backbone: Area 0
Integrated Protocols
RIPv2 (Left side – legacy network)
EIGRP AS 100 (Right side – enterprise edge)
Routing Strategy
OSPF is used as the central routing domain
RIPv2 and EIGRP are connected to OSPF via redistribution routers (ASBRs)
🗺️ OSPF Area Structure Area Description Area 0 Backbone area – main transit core Area 10 OSPF standard area (right upper) Area 11 OSPF standard area (right lower) Area 20 OSPF standard area (left upper) Area 22 OSPF standard area (left lower) Area 100 OSPF loopback / summary area Area 200 OSPF loopback / summary area 🔁 Inter-Protocol Connectivity 1️⃣ OSPF ↔ RIPv2 Redistribution
Location: Left side of the topology
Method:
RIPv2 runs inside a local legacy network
An ASBR router connects RIPv2 to OSPF
Routes are redistributed in both directions
Key Points:
redistribute rip subnets into OSPF
redistribute ospf 1 metric into RIP
Loopback interfaces used for router identification
Result: ✔ RIPv2 networks can reach all OSPF areas ✔ OSPF networks can reach RIPv2 endpoints
2️⃣ OSPF ↔ EIGRP (AS 100) Redistribution
Location: Right side of the topology
Method:
EIGRP AS 100 operates in an enterprise segment
Connected to OSPF via an ASBR router
Mutual redistribution is configured
Key Points:
redistribute eigrp 100 subnets into OSPF
redistribute ospf 1 metric 10000 100 255 1 1500 into EIGRP
Proper metric translation applied
Result: ✔ EIGRP networks have full access to OSPF and RIP areas ✔ OSPF core remains stable and loop-free
🔐 Loopback & Addressing Policy
All routers:
Loopback interfaces used as Route
r-ID
Format: X.X.X.X/32
PC Interfaces:
Addressing format: X.X.X.100
Point-to-point links:
/24 subnets for clarity and learning purposes
⚙️ Key Configuration Concepts
Multi-area OSPF design (scalability & performance)
Route redistribution with controlled metrics
Prevention of routing loops
Clear separation of protocol domains
Enterprise-style hierarchical topology
🧪 Verification & Testing
Commands used for verification:
show ip route
show ip ospf neighbor
show ip eigrp neighbors
show ip protocols
ping and traceroute between different protocol domains
✔ End-to-end connectivity verified between all PCs and loopbacks
🎯 Learning Outcomes
Understanding OSPF multi-area architecture
Practical inter-protocol redistribution (OSPF, RIP, EIGRP)
Real-world enterprise routing design
Troubleshooting and verification skills
PNETLab professional topology documentation
📂 Repository Usage (GitHub Ready)
This documentation can be used directly as:
README.md for GitHub
Network design report
Lab assignment submission
Training or teaching material
👤 Author
Sajjad Qasemi Network & IT Specialist PNETLab | Routing Protocols | Enterprise Networking