The answer is an OSPF external type 2 route. This is correct because the default route (0.0.0.0/0) is not native to OSPF; it must be injected into the OSPF domain, typically via the 'default-information originate' command, which by default advertises it as an external type 2 (E2) route. Unlike type 1 routes, the metric of an E2 route remains unchanged as it propagates across OSPF areas, making it ideal for default routes where the cost to the external destination is considered static. On the Cisco DevNet Associate 200-901 exam, this concept tests your understanding of OSPF route types and redistribution, often appearing in routing table interpretation questions. A common trap is confusing the default route with an internal OSPF route, but remember that any route redistributed into OSPF—including a static default—is external. Memory tip: "E2 for the 0.0.0.0/0—the metric stays put, no matter the route."
200-901 Network Fundamentals Practice Question
This 200-901 practice question tests your understanding of network fundamentals. 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
```
R1# show ip route
Codes: L - local, C - connected, S - static, R - RIP, M - mobile, B - BGP
D - EIGRP, EX - EIGRP external, O - OSPF, IA - OSPF inter area
N1 - OSPF NSSA external type 1, N2 - OSPF NSSA external type 2
E1 - OSPF external type 1, E2 - OSPF external type 2
i - IS-IS, su - IS-IS summary, L1 - IS-IS level-1, L2 - IS-IS level-2
ia - IS-IS inter area, * - candidate default, U - per-user static route
o - ODR, P - periodic downloaded static route
Gateway of last resort is 10.0.0.1 to network 0.0.0.0
O*E2 0.0.0.0/0 [110/1] via 10.0.0.1, 00:00:34, GigabitEthernet0/0
O 10.0.0.0/8 [110/2] via 10.0.0.1, 00:00:34, GigabitEthernet0/0
O 172.16.0.0/16 [110/3] via 192.168.1.1, 00:00:34, GigabitEthernet0/1
C 192.168.1.0/24 is directly connected, GigabitEthernet0/1
```
Based on the routing table, what type of OSPF route is the default route (0.0.0.0/0)?
Refer to the exhibit.
```
R1# show ip route
Codes: L - local, C - connected, S - static, R - RIP, M - mobile, B - BGP
D - EIGRP, EX - EIGRP external, O - OSPF, IA - OSPF inter area
N1 - OSPF NSSA external type 1, N2 - OSPF NSSA external type 2
E1 - OSPF external type 1, E2 - OSPF external type 2
i - IS-IS, su - IS-IS summary, L1 - IS-IS level-1, L2 - IS-IS level-2
ia - IS-IS inter area, * - candidate default, U - per-user static route
o - ODR, P - periodic downloaded static route
Gateway of last resort is 10.0.0.1 to network 0.0.0.0
O*E2 0.0.0.0/0 [110/1] via 10.0.0.1, 00:00:34, GigabitEthernet0/0
O 10.0.0.0/8 [110/2] via 10.0.0.1, 00:00:34, GigabitEthernet0/0
O 172.16.0.0/16 [110/3] via 192.168.1.1, 00:00:34, GigabitEthernet0/1
C 192.168.1.0/24 is directly connected, GigabitEthernet0/1
```
A
OSPF inter-area route
Why wrong: Inter-area routes show as O IA.
B
OSPF NSSA external type 1 route
Why wrong: NSSA routes display as N1 or N2.
C
OSPF intra-area route
Why wrong: Intra-area routes show as O without asterisk.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
OSPF external type 2 route
The default route (0.0.0.0/0) in OSPF is typically redistributed from another routing protocol or statically configured and then advertised into OSPF. When a default route is injected via the 'default-information originate' command, it is advertised as an OSPF external type 2 (E2) route by default, meaning the metric does not change as it traverses OSPF areas. This matches option D.
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.
✗
OSPF inter-area route
Why it's wrong here
Inter-area routes show as O IA.
✗
OSPF NSSA external type 1 route
Why it's wrong here
NSSA routes display as N1 or N2.
✗
OSPF intra-area route
Why it's wrong here
Intra-area routes show as O without asterisk.
✓
OSPF external type 2 route
Why this is correct
O*E2 indicates external type 2 default.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that a default route in OSPF is always an intra-area or inter-area route, when in fact it is an external route injected via redistribution or the 'default-information originate' command, and candidates confuse the route type with the LSA type.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Inter-area routes show as O IA.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The 'default-information originate' command in OSPF injects a default route as an external type 2 (E2) LSA (type 5) by default, with a metric of 1 and metric type 2, meaning the cost remains constant regardless of the path. In contrast, an external type 1 (E1) route adds the internal cost to the external metric, which can be useful for path selection in multi-homed scenarios. The OSPF RFC 2328 specifies that type 5 LSAs carry external routes, and the default route is treated as an external route unless the area is a stub or NSSA, where type 3 or type 7 LSAs are used instead.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Network Fundamentals — This question tests Network Fundamentals — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: OSPF external type 2 route — The default route (0.0.0.0/0) in OSPF is typically redistributed from another routing protocol or statically configured and then advertised into OSPF. When a default route is injected via the 'default-information originate' command, it is advertised as an OSPF external type 2 (E2) route by default, meaning the metric does not change as it traverses OSPF areas. This matches option D.
What should I do if I get this 200-901 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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
This 200-901 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 200-901 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.