Quick Answer
The correct conclusion is that PIM is enabled in VRF CUSTOMER-F with both a Designated Router (DR) and a Backup Designated Router (BDR). This is determined by the show ip pim neighbor vrf command output, which lists two neighbors: 10.0.3.2 is marked as “1/ DR” and 10.0.4.2 as “0/ NDR (BDR)”, confirming their roles on the multi-access interfaces GigabitEthernet0/0.700 and 0/0.800 respectively. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, verifying PIM neighbors in VRF tests your ability to interpret multicast routing within a Layer 3 VPN context, often appearing in troubleshooting scenarios where a missing DR or BDR can indicate PIM misconfiguration or interface issues. A common trap is assuming that “NDR” means no DR at all, but the “(BDR)” label clarifies it is the backup. Memory tip: think “DR is the one with the highest IP on the segment, and BDR is the runner-up—just like a primary and backup election.”
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of vrf and path isolation. 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 R8:
R8# show ip pim neighbor vrf CUSTOMER-F Neighbor Interface Uptime/Expires Ver DR 10.0.3.2 GigabitEthernet0/0.700 02:00:00/00:01:30 v2 1/ DR 10.0.4.2 GigabitEthernet0/0.800 01:30:00/00:01:45 v2 0/ NDR (BDR)
Based on this output, what can be concluded?
PIM is not configured for VRF CUSTOMER-F
Why wrong: Neighbors are shown, so PIM is configured.
The DR is 10.0.4.2
Why wrong: The DR is 10.0.3.2 (indicated by 1/ DR).
PIM is enabled in VRF CUSTOMER-F with a DR and BDR
Both neighbors are present with DR and BDR roles.
Both neighbors are using PIM version 1
Why wrong: The Ver column shows v2 for both.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
PIM is enabled in VRF CUSTOMER-F with a DR and BDR
The output shows two PIM neighbors (10.0.3.2 and 10.0.4.2) with their respective interfaces, uptimes, and DR/BDR roles. The presence of a DR (Designated Router) and BDR (Backup Designated Router) indicates that PIM is enabled and operating in VRF CUSTOMER-F, with the DR being 10.0.3.2 (as shown by '1/ DR') and the BDR being 10.0.4.2 (as shown by '0/ NDR (BDR)'). Therefore, option C is correct.
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.
PIM is not configured for VRF CUSTOMER-F
Why it's wrong here
Neighbors are shown, so PIM is configured.
The DR is 10.0.4.2
Why it's wrong here
The DR is 10.0.3.2 (indicated by 1/ DR).
PIM is enabled in VRF CUSTOMER-F with a DR and BDR
Why this is correct
Both neighbors are present with DR and BDR roles.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Both neighbors are using PIM version 1
Why it's wrong here
The Ver column shows v2 for both.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the misinterpretation of the DR/BDR column, where candidates mistakenly assume the neighbor with 'BDR' is the DR, or that PIM is not running when neighbors are present.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Neighbors are shown, so PIM is configured.
Detailed technical explanation
In PIM sparse mode, the DR is elected on multi-access networks to forward multicast traffic to the RP; the BDR is a Cisco-specific enhancement that provides redundancy by taking over if the DR fails. The '1/ DR' and '0/ NDR (BDR)' notation indicates the DR priority (1 vs 0) and the role, where a priority of 0 means the router cannot become the DR but can serve as BDR. This is critical in VRF environments to ensure multicast isolation and high availability across different customer contexts.
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.
What to study next
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FAQ
VRF and Path Isolation — This question tests VRF and Path Isolation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: PIM is enabled in VRF CUSTOMER-F with a DR and BDR — The output shows two PIM neighbors (10.0.3.2 and 10.0.4.2) with their respective interfaces, uptimes, and DR/BDR roles. The presence of a DR (Designated Router) and BDR (Backup Designated Router) indicates that PIM is enabled and operating in VRF CUSTOMER-F, with the DR being 10.0.3.2 (as shown by '1/ DR') and the BDR being 10.0.4.2 (as shown by '0/ NDR (BDR)'). Therefore, option C is correct.
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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