Quick Answer
The answer is that Router 1.1.1.1 is an ABR connecting Area 0 to another OSPF area. The show ip ospf border-routers command labels each border router type directly, and the output clearly marks 1.1.1.1 as “ABR” with an intra-area route (i), meaning it resides within Area 0 but has interfaces in at least one other area. In contrast, the ASBR label on 2.2.2.2 indicates it redistributes external routes into OSPF, but does not necessarily connect multiple areas. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this command tests your ability to distinguish ABR and ASBR roles from a single output, often hiding traps where a router is both an ABR and ASBR. A common memory tip: ABR connects areas (think “A” for Area), while ASBR connects to outside networks (think “A” for Autonomous System).
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of ospf. 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.
A network engineer runs the following command on Router R5:
R5# show ip ospf border-routers
OSPF Process 1 internal Routing Table
Codes: i - Intra-area route, I - Inter-area route
i 1.1.1.1 [110/10] via 192.168.1.1, GigabitEthernet0/0, ABR, Area 0, SPF 5 i 2.2.2.2 [110/20] via 192.168.1.2, GigabitEthernet0/0, ASBR, Area 0, SPF 5
Based on this output, what can be concluded?
Router 1.1.1.1 connects area 0 to another OSPF area.
ABR indicates it connects multiple areas.
Router 2.2.2.2 is an Area Border Router.
Why wrong: It is labeled ASBR, not ABR.
Router 1.1.1.1 is redistributing external routes into OSPF.
Why wrong: ASBR does that; ABR connects areas.
The route to 2.2.2.2 is an inter-area route.
Why wrong: It is marked 'i' for intra-area.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Router 1.1.1.1 connects area 0 to another OSPF area.
The output shows an entry for 1.1.1.1 with the label 'ABR' (Area Border Router) and a route type of 'i' (intra-area). An ABR connects two or more OSPF areas, so Router 1.1.1.1 must be connecting Area 0 to another OSPF area. The metric [110/10] and next-hop 192.168.1.1 confirm it is reachable within Area 0.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Router 1.1.1.1 connects area 0 to another OSPF area.
Why this is correct
ABR indicates it connects multiple areas.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Router 2.2.2.2 is an Area Border Router.
Why it's wrong here
It is labeled ASBR, not ABR.
Router 1.1.1.1 is redistributing external routes into OSPF.
Why it's wrong here
ASBR does that; ABR connects areas.
The route to 2.2.2.2 is an inter-area route.
Why it's wrong here
It is marked 'i' for intra-area.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between ABR and ASBR roles in the 'show ip ospf border-routers' output, where candidates mistakenly assume any border router is an ABR or confuse the 'i' and 'I' route codes.
Detailed technical explanation
The 'show ip ospf border-routers' command displays OSPF's internal routing table for ABRs and ASBRs, using Type 3 (summary) and Type 4 (ASBR-summary) LSAs to propagate reachability. The 'i' and 'I' codes correspond to intra-area (Type 1/2) and inter-area (Type 3) routes, respectively, as defined in RFC 2328. In real-world networks, misidentifying ABR vs ASBR roles can lead to incorrect redistribution or area design, causing suboptimal routing or black holes.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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.
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FAQ
OSPF — This question tests OSPF — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Router 1.1.1.1 connects area 0 to another OSPF area. — The output shows an entry for 1.1.1.1 with the label 'ABR' (Area Border Router) and a route type of 'i' (intra-area). An ABR connects two or more OSPF areas, so Router 1.1.1.1 must be connecting Area 0 to another OSPF area. The metric [110/10] and next-hop 192.168.1.1 confirm it is reachable within Area 0.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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