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300-410 Practice Question: The default OSPF dead interval on an Ethernet…
What is the default OSPF dead interval on an Ethernet broadcast network?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between broadcast and NBMA networks, where candidates mistakenly apply the NBMA dead interval (120 seconds) to Ethernet broadcast networks, or confuse the hello interval (10 seconds) with the dead interval.
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
✓
40 seconds
On an Ethernet broadcast network, OSPF defaults to a hello interval of 10 seconds and a dead interval of 40 seconds (four times the hello interval). This is defined in RFC 2328 and is the standard for broadcast multiaccess networks like Ethernet. Option C is correct because the dead interval is explicitly 40 seconds in this scenario.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
10 seconds
Why it's wrong here
10 seconds is the default hello interval, not the dead interval.
- ✗
30 seconds
Why it's wrong here
30 seconds is not a default OSPF timer for broadcast networks.
- ✓
40 seconds
Why this is correct
The dead interval is 4 times the hello interval (10 seconds) = 40 seconds.
- ✗
120 seconds
Why it's wrong here
120 seconds is the default dead interval on non-broadcast networks (hello 30 seconds).
Visual reference
Quick reference
Routing Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Metric | Max Hops | Algorithm | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RIP v2 | Hop count | 15 | Bellman-Ford | Distance vector |
| OSPF | Cost (bandwidth) | Unlimited | Dijkstra (SPF) | Link state |
| EIGRP | Composite metric | Unlimited | DUAL | Hybrid |
| IS-IS | Cost | Unlimited | Dijkstra | Link state |
| BGP | Policy / attributes | Unlimited | Path vector | Path vector |
RIP's 15-hop limit makes it unsuitable for large networks. OSPF and EIGRP dominate modern enterprise deployments.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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