The answer is that the OSPF network type is broadcast. This is correct because the output of the show ip ospf neighbor command reveals a single interface, GigabitEthernet0/0, hosting multiple neighbors with distinct states: FULL/DR, FULL/BDR, and 2WAY/DROTHER. On a broadcast multiaccess network, OSPF automatically elects a Designated Router (DR) and a Backup Designated Router (BDR) to reduce adjacency overhead, while all other routers become DROTHERs and remain in the 2WAY state with each other. For the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this question tests your ability to interpret neighbor state output and recognize that the presence of DR, BDR, and DROTHER roles is exclusive to broadcast or non-broadcast multiaccess networks—not point-to-point links. A common trap is assuming the FULL state alone indicates a broadcast network, but the key differentiator is the coexistence of DR/BDR roles alongside DROTHER neighbors. Remember the mnemonic: “DR and BDR mean broadcast, no DR means point-to-point.”
CCNP WAN Technologies Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of wan technologies. 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 executes the following command on Router R5:
R5# show ip ospf neighbor
Neighbor ID Pri State Dead Time Address Interface
10.0.0.6 1 FULL/DR 00:00:35 192.168.1.6 GigabitEthernet0/0
10.0.0.7 1 FULL/BDR 00:00:32 192.168.1.7 GigabitEthernet0/0
10.0.0.8 1 2WAY/DROTHER 00:00:38 192.168.1.8 GigabitEthernet0/0
Based on this output, what can be concluded about the OSPF network?
Why wrong: Point-to-point networks do not have DR/BDR; they show FULL state without DR/BDR.
B
Router R5 is the DR on this segment.
Why wrong: The output does not show R5's own state; it shows neighbors. R5 could be DR, BDR, or DROTHER. The neighbor with state FULL/DR is 10.0.0.6, indicating that 10.0.0.6 is the DR.
C
The OSPF network type is broadcast.
The presence of DR, BDR, and DROTHER states is characteristic of a broadcast multiaccess network.
D
All neighbors are in the FULL state.
Why wrong: One neighbor is in 2WAY state, not FULL.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The OSPF network type is broadcast.
The output shows multiple OSPF neighbors on the same interface with different states: DR, BDR, and DROTHER. This indicates a broadcast multiaccess network (e.g., Ethernet) with OSPF DR/BDR election.
Key principle: OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
The OSPF network type is point-to-point.
Why it's wrong here
Point-to-point networks do not have DR/BDR; they show FULL state without DR/BDR.
✗
Router R5 is the DR on this segment.
Why it's wrong here
The output does not show R5's own state; it shows neighbors. R5 could be DR, BDR, or DROTHER. The neighbor with state FULL/DR is 10.0.0.6, indicating that 10.0.0.6 is the DR.
✓
The OSPF network type is broadcast.
Why this is correct
The presence of DR, BDR, and DROTHER states is characteristic of a broadcast multiaccess network.
Common exam trap: OSPF can fail even when IP connectivity looks correct
OSPF neighbour formation depends on matching areas, timers, network type, authentication and passive-interface behaviour. Do not choose an answer only because the devices can ping.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Point-to-point networks do not have DR/BDR; they show FULL state without DR/BDR.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
OSPF questions usually test the details that control adjacency and route selection. Read the neighbour state, area, router ID and interface configuration before deciding what is wrong.
KKey Concepts to Remember
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
Router ID selection can affect neighbour relationships and LSDB output.
OSPF cost influences the preferred path.
A route can appear in OSPF information but not become the installed route.
TExam Day Tips
→Check area mismatch first when OSPF adjacency fails.
→Review passive interfaces when a network is advertised but no neighbour forms.
→Use show ip ospf neighbor and show ip route clues carefully.
Key takeaway
OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related 350-401 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
WAN Technologies — This question tests WAN Technologies — OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The OSPF network type is broadcast. — The output shows multiple OSPF neighbors on the same interface with different states: DR, BDR, and DROTHER. This indicates a broadcast multiaccess network (e.g., Ethernet) with OSPF DR/BDR election.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related 350-401 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
What is the key concept behind this question?
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
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