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Figure 13 Area-based OSPF network partition
Backbone area and virtual links
Each AS has a backbone area that distributes routing information between non-backbone areas. Routing
information between non-backbone areas must be forwarded by the backbone area. OSPF includes the
following requirements:
• All non-backbone areas must maintain connectivity to the backbone area.
• The backbone area must maintain connectivity within itself.
In practice, these requirements might not be satisfied due to lack of physical links. OSPF virtual links can
resolve this issue.
A virtual link is established between two ABRs through a non-backbone area. It must be configured on
both ABRs to take effect. The non-backbone area is called a transit area.
In Figure 14,
Area 2 has no direct physical link to the backbone area 0. You can configure a virtual link
between the two ABRs to connect Area 2 to the backbone area.
Figure 14 Virtual link application 1
Virtual links can also be used to provide redundant links. If the backbone area cannot maintain internal
connectivity due to the failure of a physical link, you can configure a virtual link to replace the failed
physical link, as shown in Figure 15.
Area 0
Area 1
Area 2
Area 3
Area 4
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