In OSPF, what does the term SPF stand for?

In OSPF (Open Shortest Path First), the term SPF stands for Shortest Path First. This refers to the algorithm used by OSPF to determine the most efficient routing path through a network. The SPF algorithm calculates the shortest path to each node in the network by using the link-state database, which contains information about the state of all the links in the network.

By employing the Dijkstra algorithm, OSPF evaluates all possible paths to the destination, taking into account various metrics to find the path with the least cost; therefore, each router builds its routing table based on the results of these calculations. This process enables OSPF to efficiently manage routing and quickly adapt to changes in the network topology.

The other choices do not accurately define the SPF term within the context of OSPF, as they reference unrelated concepts. Understanding the significance of the Shortest Path First algorithm is crucial for those studying OSPF, as it underpins how routes are determined and how the overall efficiency of the OSPF protocol is maintained.