The correct answer is that the route-map will permit all routes matching the prefix-list OSPF_ROUTES and deny all others. This is because route-map permit and deny sequences are evaluated in order of their sequence numbers, and an implicit deny-all exists at the end of any route-map. Here, sequence 10 is a permit that matches only routes in the prefix-list, while sequence 20 is an explicit deny with no match clause, meaning it catches and denies every route that did not match sequence 10. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this tests your understanding of route-map sequence behavior and the critical difference between an explicit deny (which stops evaluation) and an implicit deny (which applies only after all sequences). A common trap is assuming a deny sequence without match clauses does nothing—it actually denies everything not previously permitted. Memory tip: "Permit first, deny the rest; an empty deny is a catch-all test."
300-410 Route Maps and Route Filtering Practice Question
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of route maps and route filtering. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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 runs the following command on Router R1:
R1# show route-map
route-map FILTER_OSPF, permit, sequence 10
Match clauses:
ip address prefix-list OSPF_ROUTES
Set clauses:
Policy routing matches: 0 packets, 0 bytes
route-map FILTER_OSPF, deny, sequence 20
Match clauses:
Set clauses:
Policy routing matches: 0 packets, 0 bytes
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The route-map will permit all routes that match the prefix-list OSPF_ROUTES and deny all others.
The route-map FILTER_OSPF has two sequences: sequence 10 permits routes matching prefix-list OSPF_ROUTES, and sequence 20 denies all other routes (since no match clause). The match counters show 0 packets/bytes, indicating no traffic has been matched yet, but this is a route-map used for route filtering, not policy routing. The correct answer is that the route-map will deny all routes not matching the prefix-list.
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 route-map will permit all routes that match the prefix-list OSPF_ROUTES and deny all others.
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
Command / output trap
The counters show 0, but route-maps can be used for both PBR and route filtering; this output doesn't indicate usage.
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.
Route Maps and Route Filtering — This question tests Route Maps and Route Filtering — OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The route-map will permit all routes that match the prefix-list OSPF_ROUTES and deny all others. — The route-map FILTER_OSPF has two sequences: sequence 10 permits routes matching prefix-list OSPF_ROUTES, and sequence 20 denies all other routes (since no match clause). The match counters show 0 packets/bytes, indicating no traffic has been matched yet, but this is a route-map used for route filtering, not policy routing. The correct answer is that the route-map will deny all routes not matching the prefix-list.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
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