Why is MD5 authentication more secure than simple authentication for OSPF updates?

Why is MD5 authentication more secure than simple authentication for OSPF updates?

• MD5 does not send the password to the neighbor router.
• MD5 requires passwords that are at least 8 characters long.
• MD5 uses both a username and a password to authenticate the neighbor.
• MD5 employs IPsec to keep the updates from being intercepted.

Explanation: MD5 does not send the configured password across the network. MD5 generates a special hash, or signature, that is attached to the messages and sent to the neighbor. This signature is used to validate the neighbor instead of the password. MD5 does not use a username and does not enforce a minimum length on the password. While IPsec tunnels can be used to keep updates secure, they are not used specifically by MD5.

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