The answer is that Router 2.2.2.2 is the Designated Router on the 192.168.1.0/24 segment. This is confirmed by the Net Link States entry in the `show ip ospf database` output, where the Link ID (192.168.1.2) is the DR’s interface IP address and the ADV Router (2.2.2.2) identifies the router that originated the Type 2 Network LSA—a function performed exclusively by the DR on a broadcast multiaccess network. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this question tests your ability to interpret OSPF LSDB entries and distinguish between Router Link States (Type 1) and Net Link States (Type 2), a common trap being that students confuse the Link ID with the DR’s Router ID rather than recognizing it as the DR’s interface IP. A reliable memory tip: the Link ID in a Type 2 LSA is always the DR’s interface IP on that segment, while the ADV Router is the DR’s Router ID—so when you see a Net Link State, the advertising router is your DR.
350-401 OSPF Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of ospf. 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 R4:
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Router 2.2.2.2 is the Designated Router on the segment 192.168.1.0/24.
The Net Link States entry shows the link ID 192.168.1.2 (the DR's interface IP) and ADV Router 2.2.2.2, which indicates that router 2.2.2.2 is the Designated Router (DR) on the 192.168.1.0/24 segment. In OSPF, only the DR originates the Type 2 (Network LSA) for a broadcast segment, so the advertising router in the Net Link States is always the DR.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Router 2.2.2.2 is the Designated Router on the segment 192.168.1.0/24.
Why this is correct
The Net Link State is originated by the DR, and the ADV Router is 2.2.2.2, so it is the DR.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Router 1.1.1.1 has three OSPF-enabled interfaces.
Why it's wrong here
The link count for 1.1.1.1 is 2, not 3.
✗
Router 4.4.4.4 is the BDR on the segment.
Why it's wrong here
The BDR is not indicated in the database; the Net Link State is only from the DR.
✗
There are multiple broadcast segments in area 0.
Why it's wrong here
Only one Net Link State is listed, suggesting one broadcast segment.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that the ADV Router in a Net Link State is the router that owns the IP address in the Link ID field, when in fact it is always the DR on that segment.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In OSPF, the DR election is based on the highest OSPF interface priority (default 1) and then the highest router ID. The DR is responsible for generating Network LSAs (Type 2) that list all routers attached to the segment, reducing the number of adjacencies from O(n²) to O(n). The BDR is not directly visible in the 'show ip ospf database' output; it can be seen with 'show ip ospf interface' or 'show ip ospf neighbor'.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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.
OSPF — This question tests OSPF — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Router 2.2.2.2 is the Designated Router on the segment 192.168.1.0/24. — The Net Link States entry shows the link ID 192.168.1.2 (the DR's interface IP) and ADV Router 2.2.2.2, which indicates that router 2.2.2.2 is the Designated Router (DR) on the 192.168.1.0/24 segment. In OSPF, only the DR originates the Type 2 (Network LSA) for a broadcast segment, so the advertising router in the Net Link States is always the DR.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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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. A network engineer issues the following command on Router R2:
R2# show ip ospf interface GigabitEthernet0/0
GigabitEthernet0/0 is up, line protocol is up
Internet Address 192.168.1.2/24, Area 0
Process ID 1, Router ID 2.2.2.2, Network Type BROADCAST, Cost: 10
Transmit Delay is 1 sec, State DR, Priority 1
Designated Router (ID) 2.2.2.2, Interface address 192.168.1.2
Backup Designated router (ID) 1.1.1.1, Interface address 192.168.1.1
Timer intervals configured, Hello 10, Dead 40, Wait 40, Retransmit 5
Hello due in 00:00:03
Index 1/1/1, flood queue length 0
Next 0x0(0)/0x0(0)/0x0(0)
Last flood scan length is 1, maximum is 1
Last flood scan time is 0 msec, maximum is 0 msec
Neighbor Count is 2, Adjacent neighbor count is 2
Adjacent with neighbor 1.1.1.1 (Backup Designated Router)
Adjacent with neighbor 3.3.3.3
Based on this output, what can be concluded?
hard
✓ A.R2 has a full OSPF adjacency with all neighbors on this segment.
B.R2 is the Backup Designated Router on this segment.
C.The OSPF cost to reach the network 192.168.1.0/24 is 20.
D.R2 will send hello packets every 40 seconds.
Why A: The output shows that R2 is the Designated Router (DR) on this broadcast segment, with two neighbors listed: 1.1.1.1 (BDR) and 3.3.3.3. The 'Adjacent neighbor count is 2' and both neighbors are listed as 'Adjacent with neighbor', confirming that R2 has formed full OSPF adjacencies with all neighbors on this segment. In OSPF broadcast networks, only the DR and BDR form full adjacencies with all routers, while non-DR/BDR routers only form full adjacencies with the DR and BDR.
Variation 2. A network engineer issues the following command on Router R8:
R8# show ip ospf neighbor detail
Neighbor 1.1.1.1, interface address 192.168.1.1
In the area 0 via interface GigabitEthernet0/0
Neighbor priority is 1, State is FULL, 6 state changes
DR is 192.168.1.2, BDR is 192.168.1.1
Options is 0x42 (L LSR LSRR L LSR)
Dead timer due in 00:00:34
Neighbor is up for 00:12:45
Index 1/1/1, retransmission queue length 0, number of retransmission 0
First 0x0(0)/0x0(0)/0x0(0) Next 0x0(0)/0x0(0)/0x0(0)
Last retransmission scan length is 0, last retransmission scan time is 0 msec
Based on this output, what can be concluded?
medium
A.Router 1.1.1.1 is the Designated Router on this segment.
✓ B.Router 1.1.1.1 is the Backup Designated Router.
C.The neighbor state is 2WAY.
D.The dead timer is 40 seconds.
Why B: The output shows 'BDR is 192.168.1.1', which is the interface address of neighbor 1.1.1.1. This directly indicates that router 1.1.1.1 is the Backup Designated Router on this segment. The neighbor state is FULL, confirming adjacency is fully established.
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