What is the primary function of the Link-State Database (LSDB)?

The primary function of the Link-State Database (LSDB) is to contain link-state information. In link-state routing protocols like OSPF (Open Shortest Path First), each router builds its own LSDB to maintain a complete, synchronized view of the network topology. This database is populated with link-state advertisements (LSAs) received from neighboring routers, which describe the state of their links and the cost associated with each link.

The LSDB enables each router to calculate the shortest path to each destination using algorithms such as Dijkstra’s algorithm. This process is essential for efficient routing decisions, as it ensures that each router has the same information about the network, facilitating the convergence and stability of the routing protocol.

As for the other options, routing tables are built from the information contained in the LSDB, but they are not its primary function. Storing LSAs from neighboring routers is part of how the LSDB is populated but does not fully capture the LSDB's purpose; it is more about maintaining a comprehensive view of the network topology. Moderating traffic is not a function of the LSDB; it pertains to traffic management techniques rather than the storage and organization of link-state information.