Quick Answer
The answer is 40 seconds. This is the default OSPF dead timer interval on a point-to-point interface within a VRF-Lite configuration because OSPF always calculates the dead timer as four times the hello timer, and the default hello timer on point-to-point and broadcast network types is 10 seconds, yielding a dead timer of 40 seconds. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this concept tests your understanding that VRF-Lite does not alter OSPF’s default timer behavior—the dead timer remains 40 seconds regardless of the VRF context, which is a common trap where candidates mistakenly assume VRF-Light changes timers. A frequent exam twist is presenting a non-broadcast or NBMA network type where the default hello timer drops to 30 seconds, making the dead timer 120 seconds, so always verify the network type first. Memory tip: think “four times ten on a point-to-point pen”—the dead timer is always four times the hello, and on point-to-point, hello is ten.
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of vrf-lite. 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.
What is the default OSPF dead timer interval on a point-to-point interface within a VRF-Lite configuration?
30 seconds
Why wrong: This is not a standard OSPF default dead timer.
40 seconds
The default OSPF dead timer is 40 seconds on point-to-point and broadcast interfaces.
120 seconds
Why wrong: This is the default dead timer for OSPF on NBMA networks.
10 seconds
Why wrong: This is the default hello timer, not the dead timer.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
40 seconds
OSPF defaults to a dead timer of 40 seconds on point-to-point and broadcast interfaces, which is four times the default hello timer of 10 seconds.
Key principle: OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Common exam traps
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
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.
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
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.
What to study next
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.
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FAQ
VRF-Lite — This question tests VRF-Lite — OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters..
The correct answer is: 40 seconds — OSPF defaults to a dead timer of 40 seconds on point-to-point and broadcast interfaces, which is four times the default hello timer of 10 seconds.
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 neighbours must agree on key parameters.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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