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350-401 Practice Question: Which three statements about OSPF area types are…
Which three statements about OSPF area types are correct? (Choose three.)
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
A stub area blocks Type 5 AS External LSAs but allows Type 3 Summary LSAs and a default route.
OSPF area types control the propagation of LSAs. A standard area can carry all LSA types. A stub area blocks Type 5 LSAs but allows Type 3. A totally stubby area blocks both Type 5 and Type 3 (except a default route). A not-so-stubby-area (NSSA) blocks Type 5 but allows Type 7 for external routes. A totally NSSA further blocks Type 3.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
A stub area blocks Type 5 AS External LSAs but allows Type 3 Summary LSAs and a default route.
Why this is correct
Correct because stub areas are designed to reduce the LSDB by preventing Type 5 LSAs, while still receiving inter-area routes via Type 3 and a default route.
- ✓
A totally stubby area blocks both Type 5 and Type 3 LSAs, injecting only a default route into the area.
Why this is correct
Correct because totally stubby areas further restrict Type 3 LSAs (except the default route), minimizing the LSDB size.
- ✗
A not-so-stubby-area (NSSA) allows Type 5 LSAs to be imported from external networks.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because NSSA blocks Type 5 LSAs but allows Type 7 LSAs to carry external routes, which are then translated to Type 5 by the ABR.
- ✓
A standard area can contain Type 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 LSAs.
Why this is correct
Correct because a standard (non-stub) area has no restrictions and can carry all OSPF LSA types.
- ✗
A totally NSSA blocks Type 3 LSAs but allows Type 5 LSAs from external sources.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because a totally NSSA blocks both Type 3 and Type 5 LSAs, using Type 7 for external routes and injecting a default route.
Visual reference
Quick reference
Routing Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Metric | Max Hops | Algorithm | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RIP v2 | Hop count | 15 | Bellman-Ford | Distance vector |
| OSPF | Cost (bandwidth) | Unlimited | Dijkstra (SPF) | Link state |
| EIGRP | Composite metric | Unlimited | DUAL | Hybrid |
| IS-IS | Cost | Unlimited | Dijkstra | Link state |
| BGP | Policy / attributes | Unlimited | Path vector | Path vector |
RIP's 15-hop limit makes it unsuitable for large networks. OSPF and EIGRP dominate modern enterprise deployments.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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