The answer is that the filter-list only filters inter-area prefixes, not external routes. In OSPFv3, the filter-list command applied under an area specifically controls the advertisement of Type 3 LSAs, which carry inter-area prefixes, but it has no effect on Type 5 LSAs that carry external routes redistributed into OSPF. This is a critical distinction because the filter-list operates on the ABR’s inter-area prefix database, not on the AS-external LSA database. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this concept often appears as a trap where candidates assume a filter-list blocks all route types, but the exam tests your understanding that external routes require a different mechanism, such as a distribute-list or route-map. A helpful memory tip is to remember that “filter-list filters the ‘in-between’ (inter-area), not the ‘outside’ (external).”
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.
An engineer configures OSPFv3 with a filter-list on an ABR to filter prefixes. After configuration, the routes are still being advertised. Which is the most likely explanation?
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 filter-list only filters inter-area prefixes, not external routes.
In OSPFv3, prefix filtering is done using the 'prefix-list' or 'filter-list' command under the area. However, the filter-list in OSPFv3 filters type 3 LSAs (inter-area prefixes) but not type 5 LSAs (external routes). If the routes being advertised are external, the filter-list will not affect them.
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 filter-list only filters inter-area prefixes, not external routes.
Why this is correct
Filter-list in OSPFv3 applies to type 3 LSAs only, not type 5 LSAs.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Even if applied correctly, it would not filter external routes.
✗
The filter-list uses an incorrect prefix-list.
Why it's wrong here
The prefix-list may be correct, but filter-list does not affect external routes.
✗
The OSPFv3 process needs to be restarted.
Why it's wrong here
Restarting OSPFv3 would not change the behavior for external routes.
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 filter-list only filters inter-area prefixes, not external routes. — In OSPFv3, prefix filtering is done using the 'prefix-list' or 'filter-list' command under the area. However, the filter-list in OSPFv3 filters type 3 LSAs (inter-area prefixes) but not type 5 LSAs (external routes). If the routes being advertised are external, the filter-list will not affect them.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.