OSPF supports the division of a network into areas, each identified by an area ID...

This statement is false because although Area 0 is indeed the backbone area , the statement about the area ID range is incorrect. In OSPF, the area ID is a 32-bit value , which can be represented either in decimal format or in IPv4 address format such as 0.0.0.0. It is not limited to the numeric range 0 to 255 .

For example, an area can be configured as 0, 1, 100, or in dotted-decimal form such as 0.0.0.1 or 0.0.0.10, depending on implementation and configuration style. HCIA-Datacom teaches that OSPF uses hierarchical area design to improve scalability, reduce SPF calculation scope, and optimize LSA flooding. The backbone area , which is Area 0, serves as the transit area connecting all non-backbone areas in a standard OSPF design. Therefore, the second part of the statement is correct, but the first part is wrong, making the entire statement false. This question tests whether the learner understands both the function of Area 0 and the actual format of OSPF area identifiers.

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