hardMultiple Choice
300-410 Practice Question: In OSPFv3, which authentication method is…
In OSPFv3, which authentication method is supported by default?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
IPsec authentication
OSPFv3 uses IPsec for authentication and encryption, as defined in RFC 4552. It does not support the simple password or MD5 authentication used in OSPFv2.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
MD5 authentication
Why it's wrong here
OSPFv3 removed protocol-level authentication, relying instead on IPsec AH/ESP, so MD5 is not supported by default or otherwise. MD5 is tempting because OSPFv2 supports it natively via area or interface commands, making it the correct choice for an OSPFv2 authentication question.
- ✗
Simple password authentication
Why it's wrong here
OSPFv3 carries no native simple-password field; authentication is delegated to IPsec, so plaintext passwords cannot be configured. Simple password is tempting because OSPFv2 supports it per interface, making it the right answer when the question concerns OSPFv2 rather than OSPFv3.
- ✓
IPsec authentication
Why this is correct
OSPFv3 removes OSPFv2's built-in authentication fields and relies on IPsec (AH or ESP) via the ipv6 ospf authentication ipsec command. IPsec is therefore the default and only native mechanism available, since the protocol itself carries no authentication data.
- ✗
No authentication is supported
Why it's wrong here
OSPFv3 does support authentication through IPsec AH/ESP, so stating none is supported is factually wrong. This option tempts candidates who recall that OSPFv3 dropped native authentication fields and wrongly conclude no authentication mechanism exists at all.
Quick reference
Routing Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Metric | Max Hops | Algorithm | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RIP v2 | Hop count | 15 | Bellman-Ford | Distance vector |
| OSPF | Cost (bandwidth) | Unlimited | Dijkstra (SPF) | Link state |
| EIGRP | Composite metric | Unlimited | DUAL | Hybrid |
| IS-IS | Cost | Unlimited | Dijkstra | Link state |
| BGP | Policy / attributes | Unlimited | Path vector | Path vector |
RIP's 15-hop limit makes it unsuitable for large networks. OSPF and EIGRP dominate modern enterprise deployments.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.