# Configuring an automatic virtual link

Automatic virtual links require more system resources than manually-configured virtual links. Automatic virtual links are removed when the transit area is deleted or when the router is no longer an ABR.

Use the following procedure to configure an automatic virtual link to provide an automatic, dynamic backup link for vital OSPF traffic.

## Procedure steps

1. From the navigation tree, double-click IP Routing.

2. In the IP Routing tree, double-click OSPF.

3. In the work area, click the General tab.

4. Type the router ID for one of the end point ABRs in the RouterId field .

5. Select the AutoVirtLinkEnable check box.

6. In the toolbar, click Apply.

7. On the remote ABR to use for the virtual link, repeat the preceding steps.