300-410 OSPF Troubleshooting (v2/v3) Practice Question
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of ospf troubleshooting (v2/v3). 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 is troubleshooting an OSPFv3 issue where a router R1 is not learning routes from a neighbor R2. The adjacency is FULL, but 'show ipv6 route ospf' on R1 shows only a default route. R2 is an ASBR redistributing connected routes into OSPFv3. 'show ipv6 ospf database external' on R1 shows the external routes, but they are not installed in the routing table. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The router R1 has a distribute-list in the OSPFv3 process that filters out the external routes.
In OSPFv3, external routes are not installed if the router has a route to the forwarding address that is not reachable. However, the more common cause is that the OSPFv3 process on R1 has 'no ipv6 unicast-routing' or the router is missing a default route to reach the external destinations. Another possibility is that the external routes have a metric that is too high or the route is suppressed by a filter. The most likely cause is that the router has a route map or distribute list that is filtering the external routes from being installed.
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 R1 has a distribute-list in the OSPFv3 process that filters out the external routes.
Why this is correct
A distribute-list can filter routes from being installed in the routing table even if they are in the LSDB.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
The external routes have a metric of 16777214, which is considered infinite.
Why it's wrong here
While a metric that high could prevent installation, it is not typical for redistributed connected routes.
✗
The router R1 does not have IPv6 unicast routing enabled.
Why it's wrong here
If IPv6 unicast routing were disabled, OSPFv3 would not form adjacencies or install any routes.
✗
The external routes are type 5 LSAs but the router is in a totally stubby area.
Why it's wrong here
Totally stubby areas block type 5 LSAs entirely, so they would not appear in the database.
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: The router R1 has a distribute-list in the OSPFv3 process that filters out the external routes. — In OSPFv3, external routes are not installed if the router has a route to the forwarding address that is not reachable. However, the more common cause is that the OSPFv3 process on R1 has 'no ipv6 unicast-routing' or the router is missing a default route to reach the external destinations. Another possibility is that the external routes have a metric that is too high or the route is suppressed by a filter. The most likely cause is that the router has a route map or distribute list that is filtering the external routes from being installed.
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: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
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