Question 1mediummatching
Read the full VPN explanation →Question 1,283 of 2,015
Quick Answer
The answer is Phase 5 matches NHRP with OSPF for routing. This is correct because each DMVPN phase evolves the Next Hop Resolution Protocol (NHRP) operation type to support increasingly dynamic routing; Phase 5 specifically integrates NHRP with OSPF to enable spoke-to-spoke direct tunnels while using OSPF’s link-state database for prefix-based route resolution, eliminating the need for a separate routing protocol overlay. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this drag-and-drop task tests your ability to distinguish how NHRP operation types scale from simple hub registration (Phase 1) through shortcut switching (Phase 2), prefix resolution (Phase 3), BGP integration (Phase 4), and finally OSPF integration (Phase 5). A common trap is confusing Phase 4 and Phase 5: remember that BGP is used for large-scale, policy-based routing, while OSPF is used when you need fast convergence within a single DMVPN domain. For a memory tip, think “5 for OSPF” — the number five has five letters, just like OSPF, and Phase 5 is the only one that pairs NHRP directly with OSPF.
350-401 VPN Technologies Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of vpn technologies. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
Drag and drop each DMVPN phase on the left to its matching NHRP operation type on the right.
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
✓
Phase 1: Hub-and-spoke with NHRP registration
Phase 1 uses NHRP for hub registration only; Phase 2 uses NHRP for spoke-to-spoke shortcut; Phase 3 uses NHRP with prefix-based resolution; Phase 4 uses NHRP with BGP; Phase 5 uses NHRP with OSPF.
Key principle: OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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 350-401 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-401 question test?
VPN Technologies — This question tests VPN Technologies — OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Phase 1: Hub-and-spoke with NHRP registration — Phase 1 uses NHRP for hub registration only; Phase 2 uses NHRP for spoke-to-spoke shortcut; Phase 3 uses NHRP with prefix-based resolution; Phase 4 uses NHRP with BGP; Phase 5 uses NHRP with OSPF.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 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 350-401 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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Same concept, more angles
1 more ways this is tested on 350-401
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Drag and drop each DMVPN phase on the left to its matching NHRP operation type on the right.
medium- ✓ P1.Phase 1: Spoke-to-hub only via NHRP registration
- ✓ P2.Phase 2: Spoke-to-spoke via NHRP redirect
- ✓ P3.Phase 3: Spoke-to-spoke via NHRP shortcut
- ✓ P4.Phase 2 NHRP: Redirect from hub to trigger direct tunnel
- ✓ P5.Phase 3 NHRP: Shortcut resolution by spoke
Why P1: Phase 1 uses spoke-to-hub only; Phase 2 allows spoke-to-spoke via NHRP redirect; Phase 3 uses NHRP shortcut to enable spoke-to-spoke directly.
Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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