The answer is that the network command was configured under the global RIP process instead of under the VRF address-family. This is the most likely cause because in a VRF-Lite configuration, RIP requires the network statement to be issued within the specific address-family ipv4 vrf VRF_BLUE context to associate those interfaces with the VRF routing table; without this, the router never advertises or learns routes for that VRF, even if the interface appears correctly in the show ip vrf interfaces output. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this question tests your understanding of how multi-protocol VRF-Lite differs from traditional global routing, and it is a common trap to assume that a global network command will automatically apply to a VRF. A reliable memory tip is: "VRF routes need VRF context—network commands must live inside the address-family, not outside."
300-410 VRF-Lite Practice Question
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of vrf-lite. 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 a VRF-Lite configuration where a router is using RIP as the routing protocol in VRF_BLUE. The engineer notices that RIP routes are not being learned from a neighbor router. The 'show ip rip database vrf VRF_BLUE' shows no entries. The 'show ip vrf interfaces VRF_BLUE' shows the correct interface. 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 'network' command is configured under the global RIP process, not under the VRF address-family.
RIP in VRF-Lite requires that the RIP process be associated with the VRF and that the network command is issued under the VRF context. Missing the 'address-family ipv4 vrf VRF_BLUE' configuration is a common oversight.
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 'network' command is configured under the global RIP process, not under the VRF address-family.
Why this is correct
For RIP to operate in a VRF, the network command must be under the VRF address-family.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
The 'version 2' command is missing under the VRF address-family.
Why it's wrong here
RIPv1 can still learn routes, though it is less common.
✗
The 'no auto-summary' command is missing.
Why it's wrong here
Auto-summary could cause route summarization but not complete failure to learn routes.
✗
The 'timers basic' command is set to a very low value.
Why it's wrong here
Timer misconfiguration could cause route flapping, but not total absence of 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.
VRF-Lite — This question tests VRF-Lite — OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The 'network' command is configured under the global RIP process, not under the VRF address-family. — RIP in VRF-Lite requires that the RIP process be associated with the VRF and that the network command is issued under the VRF context. Missing the 'address-family ipv4 vrf VRF_BLUE' configuration is a common oversight.
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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