Which OSPF feature helps optimize bandwidth usage during updates?

Area summarization is a key feature in OSPF that significantly optimizes bandwidth usage during updates. By allowing routers to aggregate multiple networks into a single summarized route, it reduces the amount of routing information that needs to be exchanged between routers. When routers in OSPF share their routing tables, the bandwidth utilized for these updates can be quite substantial, especially in larger networks.

With area summarization, instead of advertising every single route in a particular area, routers can advertise just the summarized route. This way, only essential information is sent through the network, conserving bandwidth and minimizing unnecessary load on the routers. This is particularly beneficial in environments with numerous routes, as it condenses the routing information and limits the amount of overhead during OSPF updates.

This function enhances overall efficiency and stability in OSPF networks, ensuring that the logic of routing is maintained while optimizing resource use. The other options, while relevant to various OSPF functionalities, do not specifically address the primary goal of minimizing bandwidth usage during updates as effectively as area summarization does.