Quick Answer
The answer is that this router is the elected Bootstrap Router (BSR). The output of the show ip pim bsr-router command explicitly states "This system is the Bootstrap Router," confirming that R9, with BSR address 10.0.0.11, has won the BSR election process. The hash mask length of 30 indicates how the group-to-RP mapping is calculated, where a longer mask creates more granular RP assignments across the multicast domain. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this command tests your ability to verify PIM sparse mode operations and distinguish between a candidate BSR and the elected BSR—a common trap is assuming a BSR priority of 0 means it is not elected, but priority 0 is actually the default and does not prevent election. Remember the memory tip: "BSR says 'I am'—if the output says 'This system is the BSR,' it is the winner, not just a candidate."
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of ip multicast. 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 issues the following command on Router R9:
R9# show ip pim bsr-router
PIMv2 Bootstrap Router (BSR) information This system is the Bootstrap Router (BSR) BSR address: 10.0.0.11 Uptime: 1w2d, BSR priority: 0, Hash mask length: 30 Next bootstrap message in 00:00:45
Based on this output, what can be concluded?
This router is the elected BSR.
The output states 'This system is the Bootstrap Router'.
This router is a candidate BSR but not elected.
Why wrong: It explicitly says it is the BSR.
The BSR priority is 192.
Why wrong: The priority is 0.
The hash mask length is 32.
Why wrong: The hash mask length is 30.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
This router is the elected BSR.
The 'show ip pim bsr-router' output shows that this router is the BSR with address 10.0.0.11, priority 0, and hash mask length 30. The next bootstrap message will be sent in 45 seconds. The hash mask length of 30 means that the group-to-RP mapping uses a 30-bit mask for hashing. The correct answer is that the BSR is elected and operational.
Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
This router is the elected BSR.
Why this is correct
The output states 'This system is the Bootstrap Router'.
Related concept
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
This router is a candidate BSR but not elected.
Why it's wrong here
It explicitly says it is the BSR.
The BSR priority is 192.
Why it's wrong here
The priority is 0.
The hash mask length is 32.
Why it's wrong here
The hash mask length is 30.
Common exam traps
Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.
Detailed technical explanation
Subnetting questions test whether you can identify the network, broadcast address, usable range, mask and correct subnet. Slow down enough to calculate the block size correctly.
Key takeaway
Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Real-world example
A network engineer segments a warehouse floor into three subnets: 20 scanners, 5 printers, and 2 management hosts. Picking the wrong mask wastes addresses or leaves too few usable hosts. Exam questions test whether you can apply CIDR notation, calculate block size, and identify the correct usable-host range for a given prefix.
What to study next
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related 350-401 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
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FAQ
IP Multicast — This question tests IP Multicast — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
The correct answer is: This router is the elected BSR. — The 'show ip pim bsr-router' output shows that this router is the BSR with address 10.0.0.11, priority 0, and hash mask length 30. The next bootstrap message will be sent in 45 seconds. The hash mask length of 30 means that the group-to-RP mapping uses a 30-bit mask for hashing. The correct answer is that the BSR is elected and operational.
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related 350-401 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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