The answer is that R3 will unconditionally advertise a default route into OSPF as an external LSA type 5. This is correct because the `default-information originate always` command injects a 0.0.0.0/0 route into the OSPF domain as a Type 5 external LSA, and the `always` keyword forces this advertisement even if R3 does not have a default route in its own routing table. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this command tests your understanding of OSPF route injection and the distinction between conditional and unconditional default propagation; a common trap is assuming the router needs a default route first, but `always` bypasses that requirement. Remember the memory tip: "Always advertise, no default required" — the `always` keyword makes the injection unconditional, turning R3 into a default gateway for the OSPF domain regardless of its own routing table state.
300-410 OSPF Troubleshooting (v2/v3) Practice Question
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of ospf troubleshooting (v2/v3). 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.
Examine this OSPF configuration snippet on router R3:
router ospf 1
network 10.1.1.0 0.0.0.255 area 0
default-information originate always
What is the effect of the default-information originate always command?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "always"
Why it matters: Absolute qualifier. An answer using 'always' is only correct if there are genuinely no exceptions — absolute statements are often wrong in networking.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
R3 will unconditionally advertise a default route into OSPF as an external LSA type 5.
The command injects a default route (0.0.0.0/0) into the OSPF domain as an external LSA type 5, regardless of whether the router has a default route in its routing table. The 'always' keyword forces advertisement even without a default route.
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.
✗
R3 will advertise a default route into OSPF only if it has a default route in its routing table.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. The 'always' keyword overrides that condition.
✓
R3 will unconditionally advertise a default route into OSPF as an external LSA type 5.
Why this is correct
Correct. The 'always' keyword forces advertisement regardless of the presence of a default route.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "always" in the question point toward this answer.
R3 will advertise a default route only if it is an ASBR.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. The command itself makes R3 an ASBR, but the 'always' keyword is independent.
✗
The command is invalid because default-information originate requires a route-map.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. The command is valid without a route-map.
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
Keyword trap
Incorrect. The 'always' keyword overrides that condition.
Command / output trap
Incorrect. The command itself makes R3 an ASBR, but the 'always' keyword is independent.
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: R3 will unconditionally advertise a default route into OSPF as an external LSA type 5. — The command injects a default route (0.0.0.0/0) into the OSPF domain as an external LSA type 5, regardless of whether the router has a default route in its routing table. The 'always' keyword forces advertisement even without a default route.
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: "always". Absolute qualifier. An answer using 'always' is only correct if there are genuinely no exceptions — absolute statements are often wrong in networking.
What is the key concept behind this question?
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
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