This paper presents a multi-criteria decision model and Multi-Criteria Generic Algorithm(MCGA) approach to improve backbone topology by leveraging the Virtual Link(VL) system in an hierarchical Link-State(LS) routing domain. Given that the sound backbone topology structure has a great impact on the overall routing performance in an hierarchical LS domain, the importance of this research is evident. The proposed decision model is to find an optimal configuration of VLs that properly meets two-pronged engineering goals in installing and maintaining VLs: i.e., operational costs and network reliability. The experiment results clearly indicates that it is essential to the effective operations of hierarchical LS routing domain to consider not only engineering aspects but also specific benefits from systematical layout of VLs, thereby presenting the validity of the decision model and MCGA.