The answer is that all OSPF neighbors are in appropriate states for their roles, meaning no issue exists in this output. This is correct because OSPF neighbor state interpretation requires understanding that on a multi-access network, only the Designated Router (DR) and Backup Designated Router (BDR) form FULL adjacencies with all other routers, while non-DR/BDR routers (DROTHERs) remain in the 2WAY state with each other. In the output, the neighbor on Gi0/1 is in 2WAY/DROTHER, which is perfectly normal for a router that is neither the DR nor BDR on that segment. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this scenario tests your ability to recognize that 2WAY is not an error but an expected state for DROTHERs, a common trap where candidates mistakenly flag it as a problem. A key memory tip: remember that FULL is for DR/BDR relationships, while 2WAY is the default for all other neighbor pairs on the same broadcast network.
300-410 Device Management Practice Question
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of device management. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
A network engineer runs the following command on Router R1:
R1# show ip ospf neighbor
Neighbor ID Pri State Dead Time Address Interface
192.168.1.2 1 FULL/DR 00:00:35 192.168.1.2 Gi0/0
192.168.2.2 1 2WAY/DROTHER 00:00:38 192.168.2.2 Gi0/1
10.10.10.2 1 FULL/BDR 00:00:32 10.10.10.2 Gi0/2
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
All OSPF neighbors are in appropriate states for their roles.
On interface Gi0/1, the neighbor is in 2WAY/DROTHER state, which is normal for a non-DR/BDR router on a multi-access network. However, the question asks for a potential issue; the output itself shows no problem. The correct answer is that all neighbors are in expected states.
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.
✗
Neighbor 192.168.2.2 is stuck in 2WAY state, indicating a problem.
Why it's wrong here
2WAY is a normal state for DROTHER neighbors.
✗
The DR election is incomplete on Gi0/0.
Why it's wrong here
The state is FULL/DR, which is correct.
✓
All OSPF neighbors are in appropriate states for their roles.
Why this is correct
Each neighbor is in the correct state based on its role (DR, BDR, DROTHER).
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 300-410 question in full detail.
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 300-410 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
Device Management — This question tests Device Management — OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: All OSPF neighbors are in appropriate states for their roles. — On interface Gi0/1, the neighbor is in 2WAY/DROTHER state, which is normal for a non-DR/BDR router on a multi-access network. However, the question asks for a potential issue; the output itself shows no problem. The correct answer is that all neighbors are in expected states.
What should I do if I get this 300-410 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 300-410 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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