- → Why each wrong option is wrong in this specific scenario
- → When each wrong option would be correct
- → Real-world analogy and exam trap analysis
- → Related glossary terms and similar practice questions
CCNA Practice Question: Which TWO statements correctly describe the…
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of 200-301 exam topics. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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.
Which TWO statements correctly describe the behavior of the passive-interface command in single-area OSPFv2?
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
It prevents the router from sending Hello packets on the specified interface.
The passive-interface command in OSPF prevents the router from sending Hello packets on the specified interface, which stops OSPF neighbor discovery and adjacency formation. However, the network associated with that interface is still advertised in OSPF Link-State Advertisements (LSAs). Option A is correct because passive-interface stops Hello packet transmission. Option C is correct because the network is still advertised. Options B, D, and E are incorrect: passive-interface does not stop routing updates (OSPF uses LSAs, not periodic updates like RIP), it does not disable the interface, and it does not remove the network from the routing table.
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.
- ✓
It prevents the router from sending Hello packets on the specified interface.
- ✗
It stops the router from sending OSPF routing updates on the interface.
- ✓
The network associated with the passive interface is still advertised in OSPF LSAs.
- ✗
It disables the interface for any OSPF traffic, including data traffic.
Why it's wrong here
Passive-interface only affects OSPF control traffic (Hello packets); data traffic still passes through the interface.
- ✗
It removes the network from the OSPF routing table.
Why it's wrong here
The network remains in the OSPF routing table because it is still advertised via LSAs.
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.
✓It prevents the router from sending Hello packets on the specified interface.Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
Passive-interface in OSPF suppresses Hello packets, preventing OSPF neighbor discovery.
✗It stops the router from sending OSPF routing updates on the interface.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
OSPF does not use periodic routing updates; it uses LSAs. The passive-interface command does not affect LSA flooding, only Hello packets.
✗It disables the interface for any OSPF traffic, including data traffic.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Passive-interface only affects OSPF control traffic (Hello packets); data traffic still passes through the interface.
✗It removes the network from the OSPF routing table.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The network remains in the OSPF routing table because it is still advertised via LSAs.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
OSPF does not use periodic routing updates; it uses LSAs. The passive-interface command does not affect LSA flooding, only Hello packets.
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?
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: It prevents the router from sending Hello packets on the specified interface. — The passive-interface command in OSPF prevents the router from sending Hello packets on the specified interface, which stops OSPF neighbor discovery and adjacency formation. However, the network associated with that interface is still advertised in OSPF Link-State Advertisements (LSAs). Option A is correct because passive-interface stops Hello packet transmission. Option C is correct because the network is still advertised. Options B, D, and E are incorrect: passive-interface does not stop routing updates (OSPF uses LSAs, not periodic updates like RIP), it does not disable the interface, and it does not remove the network from the routing table.
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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