Question 1hardmultiple choice
Full question →hardmultiple choiceObjective-mapped
Which statement best explains why BGP is discussed separately from interior routing protocols such as OSPF at a basic level?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Good practice is not just finding the correct option. The wrong answers often show the exact trap the exam wants you to fall into.
A
Best answer
Because BGP is associated with routing between autonomous systems, while OSPF is an interior routing protocol.
This is correct because that is the key conceptual separation.
B
Distractor review
Because BGP is a wireless security protocol and OSPF is not.
This is wrong because BGP is not a security protocol.
C
Distractor review
Because OSPF can be used only on serial links.
This is wrong because OSPF is not limited that way.
D
Distractor review
Because BGP replaces the need for IP addressing.
This is wrong because BGP still operates within IP addressing contexts.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A frequent exam trap is mistaking BGP for an interior routing protocol like OSPF or assuming it replaces IP addressing. Some candidates incorrectly believe BGP is a security protocol or limited to certain link types. This confusion arises because BGP is often introduced after interior protocols, leading to misunderstandings about its scope. The trap is to overlook that BGP operates between autonomous systems, managing routing policies across the Internet, while OSPF functions only within a single autonomous system. Misinterpreting BGP’s role can cause incorrect answer choices, especially when the question focuses on routing protocol classification and scope.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) is the primary exterior gateway protocol used to exchange routing information between different autonomous systems (ASes) on the Internet. Unlike interior routing protocols such as OSPF, which operate within a single AS to manage routing among routers in the same administrative domain, BGP handles inter-AS routing, making it essential for large-scale network connectivity and policy control across organizational boundaries. The fundamental distinction between BGP and interior routing protocols lies in their scope and operational context. OSPF is designed as an interior gateway protocol (IGP) that uses link-state information to calculate the shortest path within an AS, focusing on fast convergence and detailed topology awareness. BGP, however, is a path vector protocol that selects routes based on policies, path attributes, and AS path information rather than purely on metrics like cost or bandwidth. This difference means BGP is discussed separately in CCNA because it governs routing decisions between autonomous systems, while OSPF manages routing inside an AS. A common exam trap is confusing BGP with interior protocols like OSPF or assuming BGP replaces IP addressing or functions as a security protocol. In practice, BGP still relies on IP addressing for routing and does not provide wireless security functions. Understanding BGP’s role as an inter-AS protocol clarifies why it is conceptually and operationally distinct from OSPF, which is why Cisco separates these topics in the CCNA curriculum and exam content.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- BGP operates as an exterior gateway protocol that exchanges routing information between different autonomous systems on the Internet.
- OSPF functions as an interior gateway protocol that manages routing within a single autonomous system using link-state information.
- BGP selects routes based on path attributes and policies rather than solely on metrics like cost or bandwidth.
- OSPF calculates the shortest path within an autonomous system using a link-state database and Dijkstra’s algorithm.
- BGP relies on IP addressing for routing and does not replace the need for IP addresses in network communication.
- BGP is not a security protocol and does not provide wireless security functions.
- The conceptual separation between BGP and OSPF is based on their routing scope: inter-AS versus intra-AS routing.
- Understanding the difference between interior and exterior routing protocols helps avoid common exam mistakes regarding routing protocol classification.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
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More questions from this exam
Keep practising from the same exam bank, or move into a focused topic page if this question exposed a weak area.
Question 1
A router learns the same prefix from both OSPF and EIGRP. Which route is installed by default?
Question 2
A router shows this output: R1#show ip ospf neighbor Neighbor ID Pri State Dead Time Address Interface 10.1.1.2 1 FULL/DR 00:00:34 192.168.12.2 GigabitEthernet0/0 10.1.1.3 1 2WAY/DROTHER 00:00:39 192.168.12.3 GigabitEthernet0/0 Which statement is correct?
Question 3
What is the OSPF metric called?
Question 4
A non-root switch has two uplinks toward the root bridge. One path has a lower total STP cost than the other. What role will the lower-cost uplink have?
Question 5
A router interface applies this ACL inbound: 10 deny tcp any any eq 80 20 permit ip any any A user reports that web browsing to a server by IP address fails, but ping works. Which statement best explains the behavior?
Question 6
A router learns route 198.51.100.0/24 from OSPF with AD 110 and also has a static route to the same prefix configured with AD 150. Which route is installed?
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-301 question test?
BGP operates as an exterior gateway protocol that exchanges routing information between different autonomous systems on the Internet.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Because BGP is associated with routing between autonomous systems, while OSPF is an interior routing protocol. — BGP is discussed separately because it is associated with routing between autonomous systems rather than only within one internal routing domain. In practical terms, the conceptual scope and role are different. OSPF is usually framed as an interior routing protocol, while BGP is the classic interdomain or external-routing example. This is a scope and architecture distinction more than a syntax distinction.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Then try more questions from the same exam bank and focus on understanding why the wrong options are tempting.
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