The answer is that R1 is the Backup Designated Router (BDR) on this segment. This conclusion is drawn from the show ip ospf neighbor interpretation, which reveals that R1 has a FULL adjacency with the neighbor at 192.168.1.2 (the DR) but only a 2WAY state with 192.168.1.3 (a DROTHER). On a multi-access network, a BDR forms a full adjacency with the DR and maintains 2WAY relationships with all other DROTHERs, while the DR forms full adjacencies with every neighbor. This output directly tests your understanding of OSPF neighbor states and the DR/BDR election process, a frequent topic on the ENCOR 350-401 exam. A common trap is assuming that a FULL state always indicates the router itself is the DR; instead, look at which neighbors are FULL and which are 2WAY to deduce your router’s role. Memory tip: “BDR sees DR fully, DROTHERs only halfway” — the BDR has a FULL link to the DR and a 2WAY link to everyone else.
350-401 SNMP and Syslog Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of snmp and syslog. 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 runs the following command on Router R1:
R1# show ip ospf neighbor
Neighbor ID Pri State Dead Time Address Interface
192.168.1.2 1 FULL/DR 00:00:38 10.0.0.2 GigabitEthernet0/0
192.168.1.3 1 2WAY/DROTHER 00:00:32 10.0.0.3 GigabitEthernet0/0
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
R1 is the Backup Designated Router (BDR) on this segment.
The output shows two OSPF neighbors on the same interface. The neighbor 192.168.1.2 is in FULL state and is the Designated Router (DR), while 192.168.1.3 is in 2WAY state and is a DROTHER. This indicates that R1 is the Backup Designated Router (BDR) because it has a FULL adjacency with the DR but only a 2WAY state with the DROTHER. The Dead Time values are still counting down, indicating the neighbors are alive.
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.
✗
R1 is the Designated Router (DR) on this segment.
Why it's wrong here
R1 is not the DR because the neighbor 192.168.1.2 is shown as DR in the State column.
✓
R1 is the Backup Designated Router (BDR) on this segment.
Why this is correct
R1 has a FULL adjacency with the DR (192.168.1.2) and a 2WAY adjacency with the DROTHER (192.168.1.3), which is characteristic of a BDR.
A DROTHER would have a 2WAY state with the DR and BDR, not a FULL state with the DR.
✗
The OSPF network type is point-to-point.
Why it's wrong here
Point-to-point networks do not have DR/BDR elections; the output shows DR and DROTHER states, indicating a broadcast or NBMA network type.
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
Command / output trap
R1 is not the DR because the neighbor 192.168.1.2 is shown as DR in the State column.
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.
SNMP and Syslog — This question tests SNMP and Syslog — OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: R1 is the Backup Designated Router (BDR) on this segment. — The output shows two OSPF neighbors on the same interface. The neighbor 192.168.1.2 is in FULL state and is the Designated Router (DR), while 192.168.1.3 is in 2WAY state and is a DROTHER. This indicates that R1 is the Backup Designated Router (BDR) because it has a FULL adjacency with the DR but only a 2WAY state with the DROTHER. The Dead Time values are still counting down, indicating the neighbors are alive.
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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