hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
300-410 Practice Question: In a VRF-Lite setup, Router R1 and R2 are running…
In a VRF-Lite setup, Router R1 and R2 are running OSPF in VRF-A. R1 has interface Gig0/0 in VRF-A with ip ospf network point-to-point. R2 has interface Gig0/1 in VRF-A with default network type (broadcast). The link between them is a direct Ethernet connection. OSPF neighbors are not forming. What is the root cause?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The OSPF network types are mismatched: one side is point-to-point, the other is broadcast, causing neighbor adjacency failure.
OSPF network type mismatch prevents neighbor formation. On a broadcast network, OSPF expects DR/BDR elections, while point-to-point expects no election. The mismatch causes hello packets to be ignored because the OSPF interface parameters (like hello interval, dead interval, and network type) differ. Specifically, on a point-to-point link, the neighbor state machine expects a different packet format and does not process broadcast hellos.
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 OSPF network types are mismatched: one side is point-to-point, the other is broadcast, causing neighbor adjacency failure.
Why this is correct
Correct: OSPF requires matching network types on the same link; mismatch leads to no neighbor formation.
- ✗
The VRF names must match for OSPF to form neighbors.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: VRF names are local; OSPF process is per VRF, but network type mismatch is the issue.
- ✗
The OSPF process ID must be the same on both routers.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: OSPF process ID is local and does not need to match.
- ✗
The interface must be configured with the same IP subnet mask.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: While IP subnet mismatch can cause issues, the primary problem here is network type mismatch.
Visual reference
Quick reference
Routing Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Metric | Max Hops | Algorithm | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RIP v2 | Hop count | 15 | Bellman-Ford | Distance vector |
| OSPF | Cost (bandwidth) | Unlimited | Dijkstra (SPF) | Link state |
| EIGRP | Composite metric | Unlimited | DUAL | Hybrid |
| IS-IS | Cost | Unlimited | Dijkstra | Link state |
| BGP | Policy / attributes | Unlimited | Path vector | Path vector |
RIP's 15-hop limit makes it unsuitable for large networks. OSPF and EIGRP dominate modern enterprise deployments.
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Related to this question
Learn chapter
Introduction to ENARSI Exam and Network Fundamentals
Key term
MPLS Layer 3 VPN
A technology that uses Multiprotocol Label Switching to create secure, scalable virtual private networks that connect multiple sites at the network layer, where the service provider manages routing between customer sites.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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