Quick Answer
The answer is Type 1, Type 2, and a default Type 3 LSA. In a totally stubby area, the ABR blocks Type 4 and Type 5 LSAs entirely and replaces all specific inter-area routes with a single default route advertised as a Type 3 LSA with a link-state ID of 0.0.0.0. This design minimizes the link-state database within the area, leaving only intra-area router (Type 1) and network (Type 2) LSAs alongside that single default Type 3. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this concept tests your understanding of OSPF area types and LSA filtering; a common trap is confusing a totally stubby area with a regular stubby area, which still carries specific Type 3 LSAs. Remember the key distinction: “totally” means totally stripped down—only the default Type 3 survives. For a quick memory tip, think “1, 2, and a default 3” to recall the only LSA types present in a totally stubby area.
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of architecture. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
An enterprise is using OSPF in a multi-area design. Area 1 is a regular area, and Area 2 is a totally stubby area. Which LSA types are present in Area 2?
Type 1, Type 2, Type 3 (including default)
Totally stubby areas allow only Type 1, Type 2, and a default Type 3 LSA.
Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, Type 5
Why wrong: Type 5 is blocked in stubby and totally stubby areas.
Type 1, Type 2, Type 4, Type 5
Why wrong: Both Type 4 and Type 5 are blocked.
Type 1, Type 2, Type 3 (including default), Type 4
Why wrong: Type 4 is blocked in totally stubby areas.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Type 1, Type 2, Type 3 (including default)
In a totally stubby area, the ABR blocks Type 4 and Type 5 LSAs and replaces all Type 3 inter-area routes with a single default route (Type 3 LSA with link-state ID 0.0.0.0). Therefore, only Type 1 (router), Type 2 (network), and the default Type 3 LSAs are present. This matches option A.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Type 1, Type 2, Type 3 (including default)
Why this is correct
Totally stubby areas allow only Type 1, Type 2, and a default Type 3 LSA.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, Type 5
Why it's wrong here
Type 5 is blocked in stubby and totally stubby areas.
Type 1, Type 2, Type 4, Type 5
Why it's wrong here
Both Type 4 and Type 5 are blocked.
Type 1, Type 2, Type 3 (including default), Type 4
Why it's wrong here
Type 4 is blocked in totally stubby areas.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between a standard stub area (which allows Type 3 summaries but blocks Type 4 and Type 5) and a totally stubby area (which additionally blocks all Type 3 summaries except the default), causing candidates to confuse the LSA types allowed in each.
Detailed technical explanation
A totally stubby area is configured using the 'area X stub no-summary' command on the ABR, which suppresses all Type 3 summary LSAs except for the default route. This reduces the LSDB size and routing table complexity, but can lead to suboptimal routing if multiple ABRs exist, as all inter-area traffic must traverse the ABR advertising the default. The default route is injected as a Type 3 LSA with metric equal to the cost to the ABR.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A network engineer at a university connects two campus buildings via a fibre link. Both routers run OSPF, but no adjacency forms — even though both routers can ping each other. The engineer finds one router is in area 0 and the other in area 1. OSPF adjacency requires matching area numbers, hello/dead timers, and network type. IP reachability alone is not enough.
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FAQ
Architecture — This question tests Architecture — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Type 1, Type 2, Type 3 (including default) — In a totally stubby area, the ABR blocks Type 4 and Type 5 LSAs and replaces all Type 3 inter-area routes with a single default route (Type 3 LSA with link-state ID 0.0.0.0). Therefore, only Type 1 (router), Type 2 (network), and the default Type 3 LSAs are present. This matches option A.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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