- A
broadcast
Why wrong: Broadcast requires DR/BDR election and is slower on point-to-point links.
- B
point-to-multipoint
Why wrong: Point-to-multipoint is used when one interface connects to multiple, not for direct spine-leaf.
- C
point-to-point
Point-to-point is optimal for direct links, avoids DR/BDR.
- D
non-broadcast
Why wrong: Non-broadcast is used for NBMA networks, not point-to-point.
Question 439 of 1,000
350-601 Network Practice Question
This 350-601 practice question tests your understanding of network. Compare every option against the stated constraints before choosing — the best answer satisfies all requirements, not just the most obvious one. 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.
An engineer is configuring OSPF on a Nexus 9000 switch in a data center spine-leaf topology. Which OSPF network type is most appropriate on the point-to-point links between leaf and spine switches to ensure fast convergence?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
point-to-point
In a spine-leaf topology, the links between leaf and spine switches are typically point-to-point, even if they are Ethernet interfaces. Configuring the OSPF network type as point-to-point on these links eliminates the need for a Designated Router (DR) and Backup Designated Router (BDR) election, which reduces OSPF adjacency formation time and ensures faster convergence. This network type also allows OSPF to use multicast hello packets (224.0.0.5) without the overhead of a DR/BDR election, making it the most appropriate choice for fast convergence.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
broadcast
Why it's wrong here
Broadcast requires DR/BDR election and is slower on point-to-point links.
- ✗
point-to-multipoint
Why it's wrong here
Point-to-multipoint is used when one interface connects to multiple, not for direct spine-leaf.
- ✓
point-to-point
Why this is correct
Point-to-point is optimal for direct links, avoids DR/BDR.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
non-broadcast
Why it's wrong here
Non-broadcast is used for NBMA networks, not point-to-point.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that 'broadcast' is the default and therefore acceptable for all Ethernet links, but the trap here is that candidates overlook the DR/BDR election overhead on point-to-point links, which directly impacts convergence time in a spine-leaf design.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, OSPF point-to-point network type sets the OSPF interface to use a /32 host route for the neighbor's router ID, which speeds up the SPF calculation and reduces the Link State Advertisement (LSA) overhead. Additionally, it disables the wait timer and the DR/BDR election process, allowing the adjacency to form immediately after the 2-way state is reached, which is critical in a spine-leaf topology where rapid failover is expected. In real-world deployments, this is often configured with the 'ip ospf network point-to-point' interface command, and it pairs well with Bidirectional Forwarding Detection (BFD) for sub-second convergence.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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.
Visual reference
Quick reference
Routing Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Metric | Max Hops | Algorithm | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RIP v2 | Hop count | 15 | Bellman-Ford | Distance vector |
| OSPF | Cost (bandwidth) | Unlimited | Dijkstra (SPF) | Link state |
| EIGRP | Composite metric | Unlimited | DUAL | Hybrid |
| IS-IS | Cost | Unlimited | Dijkstra | Link state |
| BGP | Policy / attributes | Unlimited | Path vector | Path vector |
RIP's 15-hop limit makes it unsuitable for large networks. OSPF and EIGRP dominate modern enterprise deployments.
What to study next
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-601 question test?
Network — This question tests Network — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: point-to-point — In a spine-leaf topology, the links between leaf and spine switches are typically point-to-point, even if they are Ethernet interfaces. Configuring the OSPF network type as point-to-point on these links eliminates the need for a Designated Router (DR) and Backup Designated Router (BDR) election, which reduces OSPF adjacency formation time and ensures faster convergence. This network type also allows OSPF to use multicast hello packets (224.0.0.5) without the overhead of a DR/BDR election, making it the most appropriate choice for fast convergence.
What should I do if I get this 350-601 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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