What is the primary purpose of using OSPF in a network?

The primary purpose of using OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) in a network is to enable dynamic routing. OSPF is a link-state routing protocol that allows routers to exchange information about the state of their links and the routes available in the network. This dynamic nature means that OSPF can automatically adjust to changes in the network topology, such as the addition or failure of links, without requiring manual reconfiguration.

Dynamic routing protocols like OSPF maintain and update routing tables automatically, providing a more efficient and scalable solution for routing IP packets compared to static routing. By automatically discovering the best paths based on the cost associated with each route and adapting to network changes, OSPF enhances the network's ability to route traffic efficiently.

This stands in contrast to the other options, which do not align with the primary functionality of OSPF. Managing IP address allocation is the role of DHCP, while fault tolerance can be enhanced by various methods, including redundancy and varied routing protocols. Multicast traffic is typically handled by different protocols tailored specifically for that purpose. Thus, the ability to enable dynamic routing distinguishes OSPF as a crucial component in modern networks.