- A
OSPF network type
Why wrong: Network type affects adjacency, not ECMP.
- B
OSPF area type
Why wrong: Area type does not enable ECMP.
- C
maximum-paths command
This command sets the number of ECMP paths.
- D
OSPF cost metric
Why wrong: Cost affects path selection, not ECMP.
350-601 Practice Question: An engineer needs to enable equal-cost multipath…
This 350-601 practice question tests your understanding of 350-601 exam topics. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 needs to enable equal-cost multipath (ECMP) routing in a spine-leaf fabric using OSPF. Which OSPF feature allows load balancing across multiple equal-cost paths?
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
maximum-paths command
ECMP is enabled by default in OSPF on NX-OS, but the maximum number of equal-cost paths can be configured with the 'maximum-paths' command.
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.
- ✗
OSPF network type
Why it's wrong here
Network type affects adjacency, not ECMP.
- ✗
OSPF area type
Why it's wrong here
Area type does not enable ECMP.
- ✓
maximum-paths command
Why this is correct
This command sets the number of ECMP paths.
Related concept
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
- ✗
OSPF cost metric
Why it's wrong here
Cost affects path selection, not ECMP.
Common exam traps
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.
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 350-601 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-601 question test?
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: maximum-paths command — ECMP is enabled by default in OSPF on NX-OS, but the maximum number of equal-cost paths can be configured with the 'maximum-paths' command.
What should I do if I get this 350-601 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 350-601 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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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This 350-601 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 350-601 exam.
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