What distinguishes OSPFv2 from OSPFv3?

The distinction between OSPFv2 and OSPFv3 primarily revolves around their support for different versions of the Internet Protocol. OSPFv2 is designed specifically for IPv4 networks, meaning it facilitates routing for devices and networks that adhere to the IPv4 protocol. On the other hand, OSPFv3 was developed to support IPv6, which is the successor to IPv4, providing a framework for routing addresses in a more expansive addressing space that IPv6 offers.

This fundamental difference is critical, as the transition from IPv4 to IPv6 is a major evolution in network technology, addressing the limitations of IPv4, chiefly the exhaustion of IP addresses. OSPFv3 incorporates features that cater to this new protocol, making it essential for modern networks operating in an IPv6 environment.

The other options, while touching on characteristics of OSPF, do not directly pertain to the fundamental distinction between the two versions regarding the protocols they support. Therefore, the correct choice emphasizes the core functional divergence: OSPFv2 handles IPv4, while OSPFv3 manages IPv6 networks.