The correct answer is that the 'default-information originate always' command unconditionally injects a default route (0.0.0.0/0) into the OSPF domain, regardless of whether the router itself has a default route in its routing table. This is because the 'always' keyword overrides OSPF’s default behavior, which normally only advertises a default route if one already exists in the routing table. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this command tests your understanding of OSPF route injection and the distinction between conditional and unconditional default propagation—a common trap is assuming the router must have a default route first. The metric 10 and metric-type 1 (E1) further specify the cost and external type, making the route an E1 external route that accumulates internal OSPF costs. Memory tip: think of 'always' as "always advertise, even if you have nothing to advertise"—it forces the default route out like a stubborn gatekeeper.
350-401 Cisco DNA Center Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of cisco dna center. 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.
Examine the following OSPF configuration on a Cisco IOS-XE router:
router ospf 1
router-id 1.1.1.1
network 10.0.0.0 0.255.255.255 area 0
network 192.168.1.0 0.0.0.255 area 1
What is the effect of the 'default-information originate always' command?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "always"
Why it matters: Absolute qualifier. An answer using 'always' is only correct if there are genuinely no exceptions — absolute statements are often wrong in networking.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
A default route is unconditionally advertised into OSPF with metric 10 and type E1.
This command injects a default route (0.0.0.0/0) into the OSPF domain unconditionally, even if the router does not have a default route in its routing table. The metric and type are set as specified.
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.
✗
A default route is advertised into OSPF only if the router has a default route in its routing table.
Why it's wrong here
The 'always' keyword forces advertisement regardless of the presence of a default route.
✓
A default route is unconditionally advertised into OSPF with metric 10 and type E1.
Why this is correct
The 'always' keyword ensures unconditional advertisement, and metric-type 1 means E1.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "always" in the question point toward this answer.
The router will redistribute static default routes into OSPF.
Why it's wrong here
This command originates a default route, not redistribution.
✗
The router will generate a default route only for area 1.
Why it's wrong here
The default route is injected into the OSPF domain, affecting all areas.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Keyword trap
The 'always' keyword forces advertisement regardless of the presence of a default route.
Command / output trap
This command originates a default route, not redistribution.
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 350-401 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 350-401 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
Cisco DNA Center — This question tests Cisco DNA Center — OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: A default route is unconditionally advertised into OSPF with metric 10 and type E1. — This command injects a default route (0.0.0.0/0) into the OSPF domain unconditionally, even if the router does not have a default route in its routing table. The metric and type are set as specified.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "always". Absolute qualifier. An answer using 'always' is only correct if there are genuinely no exceptions — absolute statements are often wrong in networking.
What is the key concept behind this question?
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
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