Which network type does the Intermediate System to Intermediate System (IS-IS) protocol support?

The Intermediate System to Intermediate System (IS-IS) protocol supports both broadcast networks and point-to-point (P2P) networks. This capability is crucial for its operation within different types of network architectures.

In broadcast networks, IS-IS efficiently handles the dynamic nature of network topology changes, allowing multiple routers to communicate over a shared medium. This is commonly seen in Ethernet networks, where IS-IS can utilize Link State Protocols to share routing information among all nodes in the broadcast domain.

Conversely, in point-to-point networks, IS-IS can establish direct connections between two endpoints. This effectiveness is essential in various scenarios, such as WAN links where routers connect directly over dedicated circuits.

By accommodating both network types, IS-IS provides flexibility in deployment, making it suitable for diverse networking environments. This adaptability is one of the reasons IS-IS is widely used in large-scale and complex network infrastructures.