- A
The point-to-point network type does not require a DR/BDR election.
Correct because in point-to-point networks, there are only two routers, so no DR/BDR is needed.
- B
The broadcast network type uses a DR/BDR to reduce the number of adjacencies.
Correct because on broadcast multiaccess networks, a DR/BDR is elected to minimize adjacency formation and LSA flooding.
- C
The NBMA network type automatically discovers neighbors via hello packets.
Why wrong: Incorrect because NBMA networks require manual neighbor configuration; they do not support dynamic neighbor discovery.
- D
The point-to-multipoint network type requires a DR/BDR election.
Why wrong: Incorrect because point-to-multipoint treats each link as a point-to-point link and does not use DR/BDR.
- E
The loopback interface defaults to the point-to-point network type.
Why wrong: Incorrect because the loopback interface defaults to the loopback network type, which is treated as a stub host.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is that the broadcast network type uses a DR/BDR to reduce the number of adjacencies, while the point-to-point network type does not require a DR/BDR election. This is because on a broadcast multi-access segment, such as Ethernet, every router would otherwise form a full mesh of adjacencies, creating excessive link-state advertisements and CPU overhead; the Designated Router and Backup Designated Router solve this by acting as central points for database synchronization. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how OSPF adapts to different media types, often appearing in a “choose two” format where you must distinguish which network types require manual neighbor configuration or DR/BDR election. A common trap is assuming that point-to-multipoint or NBMA networks also use a DR/BDR, but they do not—NBMA requires manual neighbor statements, while point-to-multipoint treats each neighbor as a point-to-point link. Memory tip: think “Broadcast = Boss (DR) and Backup Boss (BDR) to keep order; Point-to-Point = No Boss needed, just a direct line.”
350-401 OSPF Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of ospf. 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.
Which two statements about OSPF network types are true? (Choose two.)
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 point-to-point network type does not require a DR/BDR election.
Option A is correct because the point-to-point network type does not require a DR/BDR election. Option B is correct because the broadcast network type uses a DR/BDR to reduce adjacencies and LSAs. Option C is incorrect because NBMA networks require manual neighbor configuration. Option D is incorrect because the point-to-multipoint network type does not require a DR/BDR. Option E is incorrect because the loopback interface defaults to the loopback network type, not point-to-point.
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.
- ✓
The point-to-point network type does not require a DR/BDR election.
Why this is correct
Correct because in point-to-point networks, there are only two routers, so no DR/BDR is needed.
Related concept
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
- ✓
The broadcast network type uses a DR/BDR to reduce the number of adjacencies.
- ✗
The NBMA network type automatically discovers neighbors via hello packets.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because NBMA networks require manual neighbor configuration; they do not support dynamic neighbor discovery.
- ✗
The point-to-multipoint network type requires a DR/BDR election.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because point-to-multipoint treats each link as a point-to-point link and does not use DR/BDR.
- ✗
The loopback interface defaults to the point-to-point network type.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because the loopback interface defaults to the loopback network type, which is treated as a stub host.
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.
- →
OSPF — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
OSPF practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All 350-401 questions
2,015 questions across all exam domains
- →
ENCOR 350-401 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
350-401 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related 350-401 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Architecture practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to Architecture.
Enterprise Network Design practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to Enterprise Network Design.
SD-Access Architecture practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to SD-Access Architecture.
SD-WAN Architecture practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to SD-WAN Architecture.
QoS Architecture practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to QoS Architecture.
Virtualization practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to Virtualization.
Network Function Virtualization practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to Network Function Virtualization.
Virtual Machines and Hypervisors practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to Virtual Machines and Hypervisors.
VRF and Path Isolation practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to VRF and Path Isolation.
Infrastructure practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to Infrastructure.
OSPF practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to OSPF.
BGP practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to BGP.
Practice this exam
Start a free 350-401 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-401 question test?
OSPF — This question tests OSPF — OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The point-to-point network type does not require a DR/BDR election. — Option A is correct because the point-to-point network type does not require a DR/BDR election. Option B is correct because the broadcast network type uses a DR/BDR to reduce adjacencies and LSAs. Option C is incorrect because NBMA networks require manual neighbor configuration. Option D is incorrect because the point-to-multipoint network type does not require a DR/BDR. Option E is incorrect because the loopback interface defaults to the loopback network type, not point-to-point.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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. Which two statements about OSPF network types are true? (Choose two.)
medium- ✓ A.On a broadcast multiaccess network, OSPF elects a DR and BDR to reduce LSA flooding.
- B.The OSPF point-to-point network type requires a DR/BDR election.
- ✓ C.On a non-broadcast multiaccess (NBMA) network, OSPF can use the neighbor command to manually discover neighbors.
- D.The OSPF point-to-multipoint network type always elects a DR.
- E.The default OSPF network type for a loopback interface is point-to-point.
Why A: OSPF network types control how adjacencies are formed and how LSAs are flooded. Broadcast and non-broadcast types require a DR/BDR election, while point-to-point and point-to-multipoint do not. The loopback interface defaults to loopback network type, not point-to-point.
Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
This 350-401 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 350-401 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.