Quick Answer
The correct answer is Init. A router enters the Init OSPF neighbor state when it has received a Hello packet from a neighbor, but its own Router ID is not yet present in that neighbor’s Hello packet, meaning bidirectional communication has not been confirmed. This state represents the first active step in neighbor discovery after the Down state, and it persists until the router sees its own Router ID in a subsequent Hello from that neighbor, which then transitions the adjacency to the 2-Way state. On the Cisco SPCOR 350-501 exam, this concept tests your understanding of the OSPF neighbor state machine, often appearing in scenario-based questions where you must identify the state based on Hello packet contents. A common trap is confusing Init with 2-Way; remember that Init is one-way reception, while 2-Way confirms bidirectional visibility. For a quick memory tip, think “Init = I see you, but you don’t see me yet.”
This 350-501 practice question tests your understanding of networking. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
Which OSPF neighbor state indicates that a router has received a hello packet from a neighbor but the neighbor's Router ID is not yet seen in its own hello packet?
Down
Why wrong: Down means no hello received.
Two-way
Why wrong: Two-way means bidirectional communication is established.
Init
Init state indicates hello received but not bidirectional.
ExStart
Why wrong: ExStart is after adjacency is formed, for database exchange.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Init
The Init state is the first step in OSPF neighbor formation after the Down state. A router enters Init when it receives a Hello packet from a neighbor but does not yet see its own Router ID in the neighbor's Hello packet, indicating that bidirectional communication is not yet confirmed.
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.
Down
Why it's wrong here
Down means no hello received.
Two-way
Why it's wrong here
Two-way means bidirectional communication is established.
Init
Why this is correct
Init state indicates hello received but not bidirectional.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
ExStart
Why it's wrong here
ExStart is after adjacency is formed, for database exchange.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between Init and Two-way states, and the trap here is confusing the receipt of a Hello packet (Init) with the confirmation of bidirectional communication (Two-way).
Detailed technical explanation
In OSPF, the Hello protocol uses the 'Neighbor' field in Hello packets to list the Router IDs of neighbors from which Hellos have been received. A router transitions from Down to Init upon receiving a Hello, but only moves to Two-way after seeing its own Router ID in the neighbor's Hello, confirming that the neighbor has also received its Hello. This bidirectional check prevents one-way communication from being mistaken for a fully formed adjacency.
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
Networking — This question tests Networking — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Init — The Init state is the first step in OSPF neighbor formation after the Down state. A router enters Init when it receives a Hello packet from a neighbor but does not yet see its own Router ID in the neighbor's Hello packet, indicating that bidirectional communication is not yet confirmed.
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 25, 2026
This 350-501 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 350-501 exam.
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