Backbone area
Every AS must have one (and only one) backbone area (identified as area 0 or 0.0.0.0.) The ABRs of all other areas in the same AS connect to the backbone area, either physically through an ABR or through a configured, virtual link. The backbone is a transit area that carries the type-3 summary LSAs, type-5 AS external link LSAs and routed traffic between non-backbone areas, as well as the type-1 and type-2 LSAs and routed traffic internal to the area. ASBRs are allowed in backbone areas.