Quick Answer
The answer is 60 seconds. This default BGP keepalive timer value of 60 seconds is defined in RFC 4271 and implemented in Cisco IOS-XE, meaning the router sends a keepalive message to its BGP peer every 60 seconds to verify that the TCP connection is still alive. If no keepalive or update is received within the hold timer interval—typically three times the keepalive timer, or 180 seconds by default—the peer is declared dead and the BGP session is torn down. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this is a foundational concept tested in BGP neighbor state and timer configuration scenarios; a common trap is confusing the BGP keepalive timer with the EIGRP or OSPF hello timers, which are much shorter. Remember that BGP is designed for stability over speed, so its timers are deliberately longer. A simple memory tip: think of the number 60 as the number of seconds in a minute—your BGP neighbor checks in once every minute to say "I'm still here."
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of bgp troubleshooting. 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.
What is the default BGP keepalive timer value in Cisco IOS-XE?
30 seconds
Why wrong: This is the default hold timer for OSPF, not BGP.
60 seconds
Correct. BGP keepalive defaults to 60 seconds.
90 seconds
Why wrong: This is not a standard BGP timer.
180 seconds
Why wrong: This is the default BGP hold timer, not keepalive.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
60 seconds
The default BGP keepalive timer is 60 seconds, as defined in RFC 4271 and implemented in Cisco IOS-XE.
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.
30 seconds
60 seconds
Why this is correct
Correct. BGP keepalive defaults to 60 seconds.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
90 seconds
Why it's wrong here
This is not a standard BGP timer.
180 seconds
Why it's wrong here
This is the default BGP hold timer, not keepalive.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the 300-410 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Identify which 300-410 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
BGP Troubleshooting — This question tests BGP Troubleshooting — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: 60 seconds — The default BGP keepalive timer is 60 seconds, as defined in RFC 4271 and implemented in Cisco IOS-XE.
Identify which 300-410 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
This 300-410 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 300-410 exam.
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