The answer is that the EEM applet is causing a BGP session reset loop by clearing all BGP sessions every time a notification is logged. The root cause is the overly broad trigger in the EEM applet: it reacts to any "%BGP-3-NOTIFICATION" syslog message and executes "clear ip bgp *", which resets every BGP session on the router. This creates a self-sustaining cycle where a single BGP notification triggers a clear, which generates new notifications as sessions reset, leading to persistent flapping. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how EEM applets can inadvertently amplify network instability, a common trap where candidates overlook the destructive impact of a wildcard clear command. The key is to recognize that the applet should target only the affected neighbor or include a conditional check. Memory tip: "EEM with a broad clear is a flapping nightmare—narrow your trigger, spare your peers."
300-410 Embedded Event Manager (EEM) Practice Question
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of embedded event manager (eem). 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.
A large enterprise network is experiencing intermittent BGP session resets between R1 and R2. R1 has the following relevant configuration: event manager applet BGP-MONITOR event syslog pattern "%BGP-3-NOTIFICATION" action 1.0 cli command "enable" action 2.0 cli command "clear ip bgp *" action 3.0 syslog msg "BGP session cleared by EEM". Router R2 shows: BGP neighbor 10.1.1.1 has been up for 0:00:05, state Established. What is the root cause?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The EEM applet is triggered by the BGP notification and clears all BGP sessions, causing a reset loop.
The EEM applet triggers on any BGP notification syslog and then executes a clear ip bgp * command, which resets all BGP sessions. This creates a loop: a BGP notification causes a clear, which causes more notifications, leading to persistent flapping. The correct fix is to make the applet more specific or avoid clearing all sessions.
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.
✓
The EEM applet is triggered by the BGP notification and clears all BGP sessions, causing a reset loop.
Why this is correct
The applet clears all BGP sessions upon any BGP notification, which exacerbates the issue.
No keepalive timer configuration is shown; the issue is the EEM applet.
✗
The syslog pattern is incorrect and matches unrelated messages.
Why it's wrong here
The pattern matches BGP notifications correctly, but the action causes the problem.
✗
There is an MTU mismatch between R1 and R2.
Why it's wrong here
No evidence of MTU issues; the problem is the EEM clear command.
Common exam traps
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
No keepalive timer configuration is shown; the issue is the EEM applet.
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.
Embedded Event Manager (EEM) — This question tests Embedded Event Manager (EEM) — OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The EEM applet is triggered by the BGP notification and clears all BGP sessions, causing a reset loop. — The EEM applet triggers on any BGP notification syslog and then executes a clear ip bgp * command, which resets all BGP sessions. This creates a loop: a BGP notification causes a clear, which causes more notifications, leading to persistent flapping. The correct fix is to make the applet more specific or avoid clearing all sessions.
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.
About these practice questions
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These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A network engineer is troubleshooting an intermittent BGP session failure between two routers. The BGP session drops every few hours and recovers after a few seconds. The engineer checks the logs and sees that an EEM applet is triggered just before each failure. The applet is configured to run a script that clears the BGP session when a specific syslog message is generated. What is the most likely cause of the BGP session failure?
medium
A.The BGP session is failing due to a physical layer issue.
✓ B.The EEM applet is clearing the BGP session as part of its configured action.
C.The BGP session is failing due to a routing loop.
D.The EEM applet is causing a memory leak that crashes the BGP process.
Why B: The EEM applet is the root cause because it is configured to clear the BGP session upon a specific syslog event. The engineer should review the applet's trigger condition and action to identify why it is being triggered incorrectly or unnecessarily.
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Question Discussion
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