Quick Answer
The answer is broadcast. On Ethernet, which is a broadcast multiaccess network, OSPF defaults to the broadcast network type, which automatically triggers a Designated Router (DR) and Backup Designated Router (BDR) election to reduce the number of adjacencies and flooding on the shared segment. This is necessary because on multiaccess links like Ethernet, every router would otherwise form a full mesh of adjacencies, creating excessive overhead. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how OSPF behaves on different Layer 2 topologies; a common trap is assuming that point-to-point links or non-broadcast multiaccess (NBMA) networks also elect a DR/BDR by default—they do not. For a quick memory tip, think of a broadcast network as a crowded room where a speaker (DR) and a backup speaker (BDR) are elected to manage the conversation, while a point-to-point link is just a private chat between two people.
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. A key principle to apply: oSPF uses different network types to optimize routing behavior based on the Layer 2 media characteristics and topology.. 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 OSPF network type on Ethernet performs a DR and BDR election by default?
Point-to-point
Why wrong: Point-to-point links do not elect a DR/BDR.
Broadcast
Correct. Ethernet defaults to the broadcast network type.
Point-to-multipoint nonbroadcast
Why wrong: That is not the default Ethernet behavior.
Loopback
Why wrong: Loopbacks do not participate like broadcast segments.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Broadcast
Broadcast multiaccess networks such as Ethernet elect a DR and BDR by default.
Key principle: OSPF uses different network types to optimize routing behavior based on the Layer 2 media characteristics and topology.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Point-to-point
Why it's wrong here
Point-to-point links do not elect a DR/BDR.
When this WOULD be correct
If the question were to ask about OSPF network types that do not require DR and BDR elections, such as in a scenario involving a direct link between two routers, then 'Point-to-point' would be the correct answer.
Broadcast
Why this is correct
Correct. Ethernet defaults to the broadcast network type.
Related concept
OSPF uses different network types to optimize routing behavior based on the Layer 2 media characteristics and topology.
Point-to-multipoint nonbroadcast
Why it's wrong here
That is not the default Ethernet behavior.
When this WOULD be correct
If the exam question asked which OSPF network type supports multiple connections to a central point without requiring a broadcast medium, or if it focused on scenarios involving non-broadcast multi-access (NBMA) networks, then point-to-multipoint nonbroadcast would be the correct answer.
Loopback
Why it's wrong here
Loopbacks do not participate like broadcast segments.
When this WOULD be correct
If the question were to ask about the OSPF network type that is used for router identification or for creating a stable OSPF endpoint, then Loopback would be the correct answer. For example, a question could specify the importance of using Loopback interfaces for OSPF router IDs.
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
Correct. Ethernet defaults to the broadcast network type.
Why this is wrong here
Point-to-point network type is used on serial links or other direct connections where only two routers exist, so no DR/BDR election is needed. On Ethernet, the default OSPF network type is broadcast, not point-to-point.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
If the question were to ask about OSPF network types that do not require DR and BDR elections, such as in a scenario involving a direct link between two routers, then 'Point-to-point' would be the correct answer.
Why candidates choose this
Students may confuse point-to-point with Ethernet because both can be used on point-to-point Ethernet links, but the default OSPF network type on Ethernet is broadcast, which triggers DR/BDR election.
Why this is wrong here
Point-to-multipoint nonbroadcast is a non-default OSPF network type typically used on Frame Relay or other NBMA networks where no broadcast capability exists. Ethernet is a broadcast medium, so this type does not apply by default.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
If the exam question asked which OSPF network type supports multiple connections to a central point without requiring a broadcast medium, or if it focused on scenarios involving non-broadcast multi-access (NBMA) networks, then point-to-multipoint nonbroadcast would be the correct answer.
Why candidates choose this
The term 'nonbroadcast' might confuse students into thinking it applies to Ethernet when they consider scenarios without multicast, but Ethernet inherently supports broadcast, making this type incorrect.
Why this is wrong here
Loopback interfaces are virtual interfaces used for router identification and testing; they are not physical Ethernet segments. OSPF treats loopbacks as stub networks (host routes) and does not perform DR/BDR election on them.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
If the question were to ask about the OSPF network type that is used for router identification or for creating a stable OSPF endpoint, then Loopback would be the correct answer. For example, a question could specify the importance of using Loopback interfaces for OSPF router IDs.
Why candidates choose this
Students might think loopback interfaces participate in OSPF elections because they can be advertised in OSPF, but they are not multi-access and thus do not require DR/BDR.
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 selecting point-to-point or point-to-multipoint nonbroadcast as the network type that performs DR/BDR elections. Candidates often assume any multi-router link requires DR/BDR, but OSPF only elects DR/BDR on broadcast and NBMA networks. Point-to-point links connect exactly two routers and do not need DR/BDR, while point-to-multipoint nonbroadcast requires manual neighbor configuration and does not elect DR/BDR by default. Misunderstanding these distinctions leads to incorrect answers. Remember, Ethernet interfaces default to broadcast network type, which triggers DR/BDR elections automatically.
Detailed technical explanation
OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) is a link-state routing protocol that uses different network types to optimize routing behavior based on the underlying Layer 2 technology. Ethernet interfaces in OSPF default to the broadcast network type, which supports multiple devices on the same segment. This network type enables OSPF routers to elect a Designated Router (DR) and a Backup Designated Router (BDR) to reduce the amount of routing protocol traffic and streamline link-state updates. The DR and BDR election process occurs only on broadcast and nonbroadcast multiaccess (NBMA) networks where multiple routers share the same segment. On Ethernet, which is a broadcast multiaccess network, OSPF routers automatically perform this election to minimize flooding of LSAs (Link State Advertisements) and improve network efficiency. Point-to-point and loopback interfaces do not elect DR/BDR because they connect only two routers or are virtual interfaces, respectively. A common exam trap is confusing the network types and their behaviors. For example, point-to-point links do not elect DR/BDR, so selecting that option is incorrect despite it being a common interface type. Understanding that Ethernet defaults to broadcast network type and thus performs DR/BDR election is critical for CCNA routing questions. Practically, this election reduces OSPF overhead in multi-router Ethernet segments and ensures stable routing adjacencies.
Key takeaway
OSPF uses different network types to optimize routing behavior based on the Layer 2 media characteristics and topology.
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 different network types to optimize routing behavior based on the Layer 2 media characteristics and topology., then practise related 200-301 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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FAQ
IP Routing — This question tests IP Routing — OSPF uses different network types to optimize routing behavior based on the Layer 2 media characteristics and topology..
The correct answer is: Broadcast — Broadcast multiaccess networks such as Ethernet elect a DR and BDR by default.
Review oSPF uses different network types to optimize routing behavior based on the Layer 2 media characteristics and topology., then practise related 200-301 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
OSPF uses different network types to optimize routing behavior based on the Layer 2 media characteristics and topology.
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Last reviewed: May 17, 2026
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