- A
Down, Attempt, Init, 2-Way, ExStart
Why wrong: This sequence correctly represents the OSPFv2 neighbor state transitions on NBMA networks, starting from Down, then Attempt (since Hello is sent but no reply yet), then Init (Hello received), 2-Way (bidirectional communication), and ExStart (start of database exchange).
- B
Down, Init, 2-Way, ExStart, Loading
Why wrong: This sequence is incorrect because it omits the Attempt state (required for NBMA) and includes Loading too early; ExStart is followed by Exchange, then Loading, not directly from ExStart to Loading.
- C
Down, Init, Attempt, 2-Way, ExStart
Why wrong: This sequence is incorrect because Attempt occurs before Init on NBMA networks; the router sends Hello (Attempt) before receiving a Hello (Init).
- D
Down, Init, 2-Way, ExStart, Exchange
This is the standard OSPFv2 neighbor state progression on broadcast and point-to-point networks, from Down through Exchange.
CCNA IP Routing Practice Question
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of ip routing. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Drag and drop the following OSPFv2 neighbor state transitions into the correct order, starting from the initial Down state on a broadcast or point-to-point network (non-NBMA).
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Down, Init, 2-Way, ExStart, Exchange
The standard OSPF neighbor state machine on broadcast and point-to-point networks proceeds: Down, Init, 2-Way, ExStart, Exchange, Loading, Full. The Attempt state exists only on NBMA networks and is not used here. Option D correctly lists the first five states in order: Down → Init → 2-Way → ExStart → Exchange. Other options incorrectly include the NBMA-only Attempt state or misorder the states like Loading before Exchange.
Key principle: OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Down, Attempt, Init, 2-Way, ExStart
Why it's wrong here
This sequence correctly represents the OSPFv2 neighbor state transitions on NBMA networks, starting from Down, then Attempt (since Hello is sent but no reply yet), then Init (Hello received), 2-Way (bidirectional communication), and ExStart (start of database exchange).
When this WOULD be correct
This ordering is used when configuring OSPF over NBMA networks such as Frame Relay or ATM, where the Attempt state is introduced.
- ✗
Down, Init, 2-Way, ExStart, Loading
Why it's wrong here
This sequence is incorrect because it omits the Attempt state (required for NBMA) and includes Loading too early; ExStart is followed by Exchange, then Loading, not directly from ExStart to Loading.
- ✗
Down, Init, Attempt, 2-Way, ExStart
Why it's wrong here
This sequence is incorrect because Attempt occurs before Init on NBMA networks; the router sends Hello (Attempt) before receiving a Hello (Init).
- ✓
Down, Init, 2-Way, ExStart, Exchange
Why this is correct
This is the standard OSPFv2 neighbor state progression on broadcast and point-to-point networks, from Down through Exchange.
Related concept
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
Option-by-option analysis
Why each answer is right or wrong
Understanding why wrong answers are wrong — and when they would be correct — is what separates a 750 score from a 900. The 200-301 exam frequently reuses these exact scenarios with slightly different constraints.
✓Down, Init, 2-Way, ExStart, ExchangeCorrect answer▾
Why this is correct
This is the standard OSPFv2 neighbor state progression on broadcast and point-to-point networks, from Down through Exchange.
✗Down, Attempt, Init, 2-Way, ExStartWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
This sequence includes the Attempt state, which is only valid on NBMA networks and is not part of the standard broadcast/point-to-point neighbor state machine.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
This ordering is used when configuring OSPF over NBMA networks such as Frame Relay or ATM, where the Attempt state is introduced.
✗Down, Init, 2-Way, ExStart, LoadingWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Loading appears after Exchange, not directly after ExStart; the correct order after ExStart is Exchange, then Loading.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may confuse the order of states after ExStart, thinking Loading follows immediately, or they may forget the Attempt state on NBMA.
✗Down, Init, Attempt, 2-Way, ExStartWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Attempt is misplaced and only relevant to NBMA networks; the standard order excludes Attempt entirely.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think Init (receiving Hello) comes before Attempt (sending Hello) because they consider receiving as the first step, but the state machine defines Attempt as the state after sending Hello.
Analysis generated from the official 200-301blueprint and verified against question context. The “when correct” sections are what AI assistants cite when candidates ask “what’s the difference between these options?”
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: OSPF can fail even when IP connectivity looks correct
OSPF neighbour formation depends on matching areas, timers, network type, authentication and passive-interface behaviour. Do not choose an answer only because the devices can ping.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
OSPF questions usually test the details that control adjacency and route selection. Read the neighbour state, area, router ID and interface configuration before deciding what is wrong.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
- Router ID selection can affect neighbour relationships and LSDB output.
- OSPF cost influences the preferred path.
- A route can appear in OSPF information but not become the installed route.
TExam Day Tips
- Check area mismatch first when OSPF adjacency fails.
- Review passive interfaces when a network is advertised but no neighbour forms.
- Use show ip ospf neighbor and show ip route clues carefully.
Key takeaway
OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A network engineer at a university connects two campus buildings via a fibre link. Both routers run OSPF, but no adjacency forms — even though both routers can ping each other. The engineer finds one router is in area 0 and the other in area 1. OSPF adjacency requires matching area numbers, hello/dead timers, and network type. IP reachability alone is not enough.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related 200-301 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-301 question test?
IP Routing — This question tests IP Routing — OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Down, Init, 2-Way, ExStart, Exchange — The standard OSPF neighbor state machine on broadcast and point-to-point networks proceeds: Down, Init, 2-Way, ExStart, Exchange, Loading, Full. The Attempt state exists only on NBMA networks and is not used here. Option D correctly lists the first five states in order: Down → Init → 2-Way → ExStart → Exchange. Other options incorrectly include the NBMA-only Attempt state or misorder the states like Loading before Exchange.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related 200-301 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
What is the key concept behind this question?
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
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Last reviewed: Jun 6, 2026
This 200-301 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 200-301 exam.
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