Network Working Group V. Manral Request for Comments: 4063 SiNett Corp. Category: Informational R. White Cisco Systems A. Shaikh AT&T Labs (Research) April 2005 Considerations When Using Basic OSPF Convergence Benchmarks Status of This Memo This memo provides information for the Internet community. It does not specify an Internet standard of any kind. Distribution of this memo is unlimited. Copyright Notice Copyright (C) The Internet Society (2005). Abstract This document discusses the applicability of various tests for measuring single router control plane convergence, specifically in regard to the Open Shortest First (OSPF) protocol. There are two general sections in this document, the first discusses advantages and limitations of specific OSPF convergence tests, and the second discusses more general pitfalls to be considered when routing protocol convergence is tested. 1. Introduction There is a growing interest in testing single router control plane convergence for routing protocols, and many people are looking at testing methodologies that can provide information on how long it takes for a network to converge after various network events occur. It is important to consider the framework within which any given convergence test is executed when one attempts to apply the results of the testing, since the framework can have a major impact on the results. For instance, determining when a network is converged, what parts of the router’s operation are considered within the testing, and other such things will have a major impact on the apparent performance that routing protocols provide. Manral, et al. Informational [Page 1]