Quick Answer
The correct answer is that O E2 is an OSPF external type 2 route. This is because the OSPF route codes in the routing table directly indicate the route’s origin: O stands for intra-area routes learned within the same area, O IA denotes interarea routes crossing area boundaries, and O E2 marks external routes redistributed into OSPF with a fixed metric, ignoring the internal path cost. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, you must quickly decode these prefixes when reading a routing table—a common trap is confusing O IA with a less preferred route, when in fact the code simply describes how the route was learned, not its administrative distance. To remember the codes, think “O is Own area, IA is Inter-Area, and E2 is External with a fixed metric.”
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of network services and security. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. A key principle to apply: oSPF uses route codes in the routing table to indicate the origin and type of each learned route, such as intra-area, inter-area, or external.. 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.
R1 learns three OSPF routes to different destinations:
O 10.10.10.0/24
O IA 10.20.20.0/24 O E2 10.30.30.0/24
Which statement is correct about these route types?
O IA is an external route redistributed from another routing protocol.
Why wrong: O IA means interarea, not external.
O E2 is an OSPF external type 2 route.
That is exactly what the code means.
O means the route was learned through EIGRP.
Why wrong: O is an OSPF code.
All three routes were learned from the same OSPF area type.
Why wrong: They represent different route origins inside or outside the OSPF domain.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
O E2 is an OSPF external type 2 route.
An O route is intra-area, O IA is interarea, and O E2 is an external type 2 route redistributed into OSPF. The codes describe route origin, not just preference. CCNA expects you to identify them quickly when reading the routing table.
Key principle: OSPF uses route codes in the routing table to indicate the origin and type of each learned route, such as intra-area, inter-area, or external.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
O IA is an external route redistributed from another routing protocol.
Why it's wrong here
O IA means interarea, not external.
When this WOULD be correct
In a different scenario where the question specifies routes learned from a redistribution of another routing protocol into OSPF, such as EIGRP or BGP, option A would be correct if it referred to an external route. For example, 'Which OSPF route type indicates an external route redistributed from another protocol?'
O E2 is an OSPF external type 2 route.
Why this is correct
That is exactly what the code means.
Related concept
OSPF uses route codes in the routing table to indicate the origin and type of each learned route, such as intra-area, inter-area, or external.
O means the route was learned through EIGRP.
Why it's wrong here
O is an OSPF code.
When this WOULD be correct
In a different question, if the context specifies that the routing table is being analyzed for EIGRP routes, and the notation 'D' is used for EIGRP, then an option stating 'O' indicates EIGRP could be correct if misinterpreted. For example, if the question mistakenly labeled EIGRP routes with 'O', it could lead to this being the right answer.
All three routes were learned from the same OSPF area type.
Why it's wrong here
They represent different route origins inside or outside the OSPF domain.
When this WOULD be correct
In a different question setup where all routes were explicitly stated to be learned from the same OSPF area, such as 'All routes are from OSPF area 0,' this option would be correct as it would confirm that they share the same area type.
Option-by-option analysis
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.
Why this is correct
That is exactly what the code means.
Why this is wrong here
The option A is incorrect because 'O IA' indicates an inter-area route in OSPF, not an external route. External routes are denoted by 'O E1' or 'O E2'.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
In a different scenario where the question specifies routes learned from a redistribution of another routing protocol into OSPF, such as EIGRP or BGP, option A would be correct if it referred to an external route. For example, 'Which OSPF route type indicates an external route redistributed from another protocol?'
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may confuse OSPF route types due to similarities in terminology, leading them to mistakenly associate 'IA' with external routes, especially if they have experience with multiple routing protocols.
Why this is wrong here
This option is incorrect because 'O' indicates an OSPF route, not an EIGRP route. OSPF and EIGRP are distinct routing protocols, and OSPF routes are denoted with 'O' while EIGRP routes use 'D'.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
In a different question, if the context specifies that the routing table is being analyzed for EIGRP routes, and the notation 'D' is used for EIGRP, then an option stating 'O' indicates EIGRP could be correct if misinterpreted. For example, if the question mistakenly labeled EIGRP routes with 'O', it could lead to this being the right answer.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may confuse the routing protocol identifiers due to similar acronyms and may mistakenly believe that 'O' could represent EIGRP in a context where multiple protocols are discussed, leading to misinterpretation.
Why this is wrong here
This option is incorrect because the routes learned are from different OSPF types: O (intra-area), IA (inter-area), and E2 (external type 2), indicating they are not from the same OSPF area.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
In a different question setup where all routes were explicitly stated to be learned from the same OSPF area, such as 'All routes are from OSPF area 0,' this option would be correct as it would confirm that they share the same area type.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might choose this option due to a misunderstanding of OSPF route types, mistakenly believing that all OSPF routes must originate from the same area, leading them to overlook the specific types presented.
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
A frequent exam trap is confusing the OSPF route codes, especially mistaking 'O IA' (inter-area) for an external route redistributed from another protocol. Candidates often incorrectly assume that 'O IA' means external, but it actually represents routes learned from a different OSPF area within the same autonomous system. Another common mistake is thinking the 'O' code indicates EIGRP routes, which it does not; EIGRP uses different codes such as 'D'. This confusion can cause candidates to select incorrect answers about route origins or types. Carefully distinguishing between intra-area, inter-area, and external routes based on OSPF codes is essential to avoid this pitfall.
Detailed technical explanation
OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) is a link-state routing protocol that categorizes routes based on their origin within the OSPF domain or from external sources. The route codes seen in the routing table provide insight into how OSPF learned each route: 'O' indicates an intra-area route learned within the same OSPF area; 'O IA' stands for inter-area routes learned from a different OSPF area within the same autonomous system; and 'O E2' represents external type 2 routes that are redistributed into OSPF from other routing protocols or external sources. When OSPF redistributes external routes, it classifies them as either type 1 (E1) or type 2 (E2) external routes. Type 2 external routes (O E2) carry a fixed external cost that does not increase as the route is propagated through the OSPF domain, making them distinct from intra-area and inter-area routes. The routing table codes help network engineers quickly identify the route origin and metric type, which is crucial for understanding route preference and path selection in Cisco routers. A common exam trap is confusing the OSPF route codes with those of other protocols or misinterpreting the meaning of 'O IA' as an external route. For example, 'O IA' means inter-area within OSPF, not external redistribution. Also, the 'O' code does not indicate EIGRP routes; EIGRP uses a different code. Understanding these distinctions helps avoid misreading routing tables and selecting incorrect answers on the CCNA exam. Practically, knowing these codes aids in troubleshooting OSPF routing issues and optimizing route redistribution strategies.
Key takeaway
OSPF uses route codes in the routing table to indicate the origin and type of each learned route, such as intra-area, inter-area, or external.
Real-world example
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
Review oSPF uses route codes in the routing table to indicate the origin and type of each learned route, such as intra-area, inter-area, or external., then practise related 200-301 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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FAQ
Network Services and Security — This question tests Network Services and Security — OSPF uses route codes in the routing table to indicate the origin and type of each learned route, such as intra-area, inter-area, or external..
The correct answer is: O E2 is an OSPF external type 2 route. — An O route is intra-area, O IA is interarea, and O E2 is an external type 2 route redistributed into OSPF. The codes describe route origin, not just preference. CCNA expects you to identify them quickly when reading the routing table.
Review oSPF uses route codes in the routing table to indicate the origin and type of each learned route, such as intra-area, inter-area, or external., then practise related 200-301 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
OSPF uses route codes in the routing table to indicate the origin and type of each learned route, such as intra-area, inter-area, or external.
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Last reviewed: May 17, 2026
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