Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A network engineer is designing an OSPF network for a large enterprise. To reduce the size of routing tables and limit the propagation of external routes, the engineer wants to use a special area that blocks Type 5 LSAs but still allows inter-area routes via a default route. Which type of OSPF area should be configured?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Good practice is not just finding the correct option. The wrong answers often show the exact trap the exam wants you to fall into.
A
Distractor review
Backbone area 0
The backbone area carries all inter-area traffic and does not block Type 5 LSAs; it must have full routing information.
B
Distractor review
Standard area
A standard area allows all LSA types (1-5) and does not reduce routing tables.
C
Best answer
Stub area
A stub area blocks Type 5 LSAs (AS external routes) and injects a default route instead, reducing routing table size and external route propagation.
D
Distractor review
Totally stubby area
A totally stubby area blocks both Type 3 (inter-area) and Type 5 LSAs, further reducing routes but also blocking inter-area routes beyond the default. The question specifies only blocking external routes and keeping inter-area routes, so stub area is appropriate.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: OSPF can fail even when IP connectivity looks correct
OSPF neighbour formation depends on matching areas, timers, network type, authentication and passive-interface behaviour. Do not choose an answer only because the devices can ping.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
OSPF questions usually test the details that control adjacency and route selection. Read the neighbour state, area, router ID and interface configuration before deciding what is wrong.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
- Router ID selection can affect neighbour relationships and LSDB output.
- OSPF cost influences the preferred path.
- A route can appear in OSPF information but not become the installed route.
TExam Day Tips
- Check area mismatch first when OSPF adjacency fails.
- Review passive interfaces when a network is advertised but no neighbour forms.
- Use show ip ospf neighbor and show ip route clues carefully.
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More questions from this exam
Keep practising from the same exam bank, or move into a focused topic page if this question exposed a weak area.
Question 1
A network engineer needs to connect two switches located 400 meters apart. The cable run includes high electromagnetic interference from nearby machinery. The engineer decides to use fiber optic cabling. Which transceiver type and fiber combination should be used to ensure the link reaches 400 meters while remaining cost-effective?
Question 2
A network engineer is designing a new switched network and needs to ensure that broadcast traffic from one department does not reach another department's workstations. The engineer plans to use VLANs. Which of the following must be configured on the switches to isolate broadcast domains as intended?
Question 3
A security engineer is configuring a site-to-site VPN between two branch offices. The requirement is to encrypt all traffic between the two networks using IPsec. Which IPsec mode should be used to encrypt the entire IP packet including the original header?
Question 4
A network administrator is connecting two switches to increase bandwidth and provide redundancy. Which technology should be used to combine multiple physical links into a single logical link?
Question 5
A network administrator is experiencing issues where unauthorized devices are offering IP addresses to clients, causing connectivity problems. Which security feature should be enabled on switches to prevent this?
Question 6
A network administrator is troubleshooting a connectivity issue and suspects the problem is related to the physical cabling. At which layer of the OSI model should the administrator begin their investigation?
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this N10-009 question test?
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Stub area — OSPF stub areas are designed to reduce routing information. They block AS external (Type 5) LSAs and use a default route for external destinations. Inter-area routes (Type 3) are still allowed. Totally stubby areas block Type 3 as well.
What should I do if I get this N10-009 question wrong?
Then try more questions from the same exam bank and focus on understanding why the wrong options are tempting.
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