The answer is duplicate OSPF router IDs on R2 and R3. When two routers share the same router ID, OSPF cannot distinguish between them, causing R1 to interpret the same route to 192.168.1.0/24 as originating from two different neighbors. This creates an unstable equal-cost multipath scenario where the route flaps as the OSPF database recalculates, even though the interfaces remain stable. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this question tests your ability to differentiate between Layer 1 flapping and OSPF-specific control-plane issues; a common trap is to blame interface instability or metric changes when the real culprit is a duplicate router ID. Remember that OSPF relies on the router ID as its unique identifier—if two routers share one, the network sees a single router with split personalities. Memory tip: "Duplicate IDs cause duplicate paths, and duplicate paths cause duplicate headaches."
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 OSPFv2 route flapping issue. The router R1 is learning a route to 192.168.1.0/24 via two different paths: one through R2 and one through R3. The route is flapping between the two paths every few seconds. 'show ip ospf interface' shows that both interfaces are stable. 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 routers R2 and R3 have the same OSPF router ID.
Route flapping can be caused by a number of issues, but if the interfaces are stable, the problem is likely due to a routing loop or a metric issue. One common cause is that the routers are using the same router ID, causing OSPF to see the same route from two different neighbors as equal-cost paths, but the route may be flapping due to a change in the metric. Another cause is that the link between R1 and R2 is flapping at Layer 1, but the stem says the interfaces are stable. The most likely cause is that the routers have duplicate router IDs, which can cause OSPF to treat the same route as two different routes and cause instability.
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 routers R2 and R3 have the same OSPF router ID.
Why this is correct
Duplicate router IDs can cause OSPF to see the same route from two different neighbors as different, leading to route flapping.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
The route is being redistributed by both R2 and R3 with different metrics.
Why it's wrong here
Different metrics would cause the router to prefer one path, not flap.
✗
The OSPF network type on the interfaces is set to broadcast, causing DR/BDR instability.
Why it's wrong here
If the interfaces are stable, the DR/BDR election is stable.
✗
The link between R1 and R2 has a high error rate causing intermittent packet loss.
Why it's wrong here
The stem says the interfaces are stable, indicating no Layer 1 issues.
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 routers R2 and R3 have the same OSPF router ID. — Route flapping can be caused by a number of issues, but if the interfaces are stable, the problem is likely due to a routing loop or a metric issue. One common cause is that the routers are using the same router ID, causing OSPF to see the same route from two different neighbors as equal-cost paths, but the route may be flapping due to a change in the metric. Another cause is that the link between R1 and R2 is flapping at Layer 1, but the stem says the interfaces are stable. The most likely cause is that the routers have duplicate router IDs, which can cause OSPF to treat the same route as two different routes and cause instability.
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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