Open Shortest Path First (OSPF)即开放式最短路径优先协议是一个内部网关协议(Interior Gateway Protocol，简称IGP)，用于在单一自治系统(AS)内决策路由。与RIP相对，OSPF是链路状态路有协议，而RIP是距离向量路由协议。
链路是路由器接口的另一种说法，因此OSPF也称为接口状态路由协议。OSPF通过路由器之间通告网络接口的状态来建立链路状态数据库，生成最短路径树，每个OSPF路由器使用这些最短路径构造路由表。
参见 RFC 2328 :
OSPF is a link-state routing protocol. It is designed to be run internal to a single Autonomous System. Each OSPF router maintains an identical database describing the Autonomous System's topology. From this database, a routing table is calculated by constructing a shortest-path tree.
OSPF recalculates routes quickly in the face of topological changes, utilizing a minimum of routing protocol traffic. OSPF provides support for equal-cost multipath. An area routing capability is provided, enabling an additional level of routing protection and a reduction in routing protocol traffic.
