Quick Answer
The answer is broadcast. In a VRF-Lite scenario with OSPF, the default network type on a physical Ethernet interface remains broadcast, regardless of the VRF configuration, because OSPF determines the network type based on the underlying media, not the VRF context. This means that on any Ethernet link, OSPF automatically enables broadcast mode, which triggers the Designated Router and Backup Designated Router election process to manage adjacencies and reduce routing update flooding. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this concept tests your understanding that VRF-Lite does not alter Layer 2 defaults; a common trap is assuming that VRF-Lite changes the network type to point-to-point or non-broadcast. Remember that VRF-Lite isolates routing tables but leaves interface-level OSPF behavior unchanged. A helpful memory tip: VRF-Lite is about Layer 3 separation, not Layer 2 media type—so Ethernet always stays broadcast.
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of vrf-lite. 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.
In a VRF-Lite scenario with OSPF, what is the default network type on a physical Ethernet interface?
Point-to-point
Why wrong: This is not the default for Ethernet; it must be manually configured.
Broadcast
Ethernet defaults to broadcast network type in OSPF.
Non-broadcast
Why wrong: This is the default for Frame Relay and ATM interfaces.
Point-to-multipoint
Why wrong: This is not a default network type for any interface.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Broadcast
By default, OSPF sets the network type to broadcast on Ethernet interfaces, which enables DR/BDR election.
Key principle: OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Point-to-point
Why it's wrong here
This is not the default for Ethernet; it must be manually configured.
Broadcast
Non-broadcast
Why it's wrong here
This is the default for Frame Relay and ATM interfaces.
Point-to-multipoint
Why it's wrong here
This is not a default network type for any interface.
Common exam traps
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
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.
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
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
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.
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FAQ
VRF-Lite — This question tests VRF-Lite — OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters..
The correct answer is: Broadcast — By default, OSPF sets the network type to broadcast on Ethernet interfaces, which enables DR/BDR election.
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.
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
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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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