The correct interpretation is that Area 0 has experienced more network changes than Area 1, as indicated by its higher SPF runs and LSA changes. The show ip ospf statistics command reveals that Area 0 executed the SPF algorithm 12 times with 5 LSA changes, while Area 1 ran only 3 times with 2 LSA changes, directly correlating a higher number of SPF recalculations with greater topological instability. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this command tests your ability to diagnose OSPF convergence issues by reading the “SPF algorithm executed” count and the “Last SPF due to” field, which often points to LSA changes as the trigger. A common trap is assuming a high SPF count always indicates a problem, but it simply reflects network churn; the key is comparing areas to pinpoint where instability is concentrated. Memory tip: “More SPF runs mean more network suns” — think of SPF runs as the sun rising each time the network changes.
300-410 OSPF Troubleshooting (v2/v3) Practice Question
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of ospf troubleshooting (v2/v3). Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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 to verify OSPF SPF calculations:
R1# show ip ospf statistics
OSPF Router with ID (1.1.1.1) (Process ID 1)
Area 0: SPF algorithm executed 12 times
SPF calculation time (in msec):
Total: 12, Average: 1.0
Minimum: 0, Maximum: 2
Last SPF due to: LSA change
Number of LSA changes: 5
Number of LSA deletions: 2
Number of LSA additions: 3
Number of LSA updates: 0
Area 1: SPF algorithm executed 3 times
SPF calculation time (in msec):
Total: 3, Average: 1.0
Minimum: 0, Maximum: 1
Last SPF due to: LSA change
Number of LSA changes: 2
Number of LSA deletions: 0
Number of LSA additions: 2
Number of LSA updates: 0
What does this output indicate?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "minimum / minimize"
Why it matters: Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Area 0 has experienced more network changes than Area 1, as indicated by higher SPF runs and LSA changes.
The output shows OSPF SPF statistics for multiple areas, including number of SPF runs and LSA changes.
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 router has not performed any SPF calculations.
Why it's wrong here
SPF has been executed 12 times in area 0 and 3 times in area 1.
✓
Area 0 has experienced more network changes than Area 1, as indicated by higher SPF runs and LSA changes.
Why this is correct
Area 0 has 12 SPF runs and 5 LSA changes, while Area 1 has 3 SPF runs and 2 LSA changes.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
The SPF calculation time is too high, indicating a performance issue.
Why it's wrong here
The average SPF time is 1 msec, which is very low and normal.
✗
The last SPF was triggered by a timer expiry.
Why it's wrong here
The last SPF was due to an LSA change, not timer expiry.
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.
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.
OSPF Troubleshooting (v2/v3) — This question tests OSPF Troubleshooting (v2/v3) — OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Area 0 has experienced more network changes than Area 1, as indicated by higher SPF runs and LSA changes. — The output shows OSPF SPF statistics for multiple areas, including number of SPF runs and LSA changes.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "minimum / minimize". Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
What is the key concept behind this question?
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
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