What type of LSA is represented by OSPF Type 5?

OSPF Type 5 LSA, known as the AS-External LSA, is used to convey information about routes that originate from outside the OSPF autonomous system. This is particularly important for OSPF's ability to integrate with other routing protocols. The AS-External LSA allows OSPF to advertise these external routes to other routers within the OSPF area, enabling end-to-end connectivity when routes from different routing protocols, such as BGP or RIP, are involved.

The OSPF Type 5 LSA contains metrics for those external routes, such as the cost associated with using that route. This allows OSPF to maintain and make decisions based on the most efficient routing paths available, ensuring optimal traffic flow within the OSPF domain. In summary, the AS-External LSA represents external routes and is crucial for interconnecting OSPF with other routing protocols, making it a central feature of OSPF’s functionality in a multi-protocol environment.