In OSPF, what is the term for the routers that exchange routing information within the same area?

In OSPF (Open Shortest Path First), the term for routers that exchange routing information within the same area is "Internal Routers." Internal routers are those that have all their interfaces within a single OSPF area. They participate in the OSPF protocol by exchanging LSAs (Link State Advertisements) with other routers in that area, which helps them build a consistent and accurate view of the network topology.

Internal routers play a critical role in OSPF by ensuring that the routing information within a specific area is updated and propagated to maintain optimal routing paths. They contribute to the area’s link-state database, which is utilized to calculate the OSPF routing table.

In contrast, Designated Routers are responsible for reducing OSPF traffic in broadcast and non-broadcast multi-access networks by acting as a central point for exchanging routing information. Area Border Routers connect different OSPF areas and handle routing information between them. Backbone Routers are those that are part of the OSPF backbone area (Area 0), but they may not necessarily operate solely within a single area. This distinction is crucial for understanding how OSPF organizes routing within areas and across larger hierarchies.