Quick Answer
The correct conclusion is that OSPF is operating within VRF CUSTOMER-E with two neighbors. This is because the command `show ip ospf neighbor vrf CUSTOMER-E` explicitly filters the OSPF neighbor table to display only those adjacencies established under the specified VRF instance, and the output confirms two neighbors in the FULL state—one as the Designated Router and one as the Backup Designated Router—proving active OSPF operation inside that VRF. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this command tests your understanding of how VRF-aware routing protocols isolate neighbor relationships; a common trap is assuming the output shows global OSPF neighbors or misreading the VRF name as an interface. Remember the key distinction: without the `vrf` keyword, the command shows global OSPF neighbors, but adding `vrf` scopes the output to a specific VRF. A helpful memory tip is “VRF filters the neighbor view—if you see FULL, the VRF is true.”
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of vrf and path isolation. 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 R7:
R7# show ip ospf neighbor vrf CUSTOMER-E Neighbor ID Pri State Dead Time Address Interface 10.0.0.8 1 FULL/DR 00:00:35 10.0.1.2 GigabitEthernet0/0.500 10.0.0.9 1 FULL/BDR 00:00:31 10.0.2.2 GigabitEthernet0/0.600
Based on this output, what can be concluded?
OSPF is not configured for VRF CUSTOMER-E
Why wrong: Neighbors are shown, so OSPF is configured.
There is only one OSPF neighbor in VRF CUSTOMER-E
Why wrong: Two neighbors are listed.
OSPF is operating within VRF CUSTOMER-E with two neighbors
Two neighbors are in FULL state, indicating OSPF adjacency.
The DR is 10.0.0.9
Why wrong: The DR is 10.0.0.8 (state FULL/DR).
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
OSPF is operating within VRF CUSTOMER-E with two neighbors
The command `show ip ospf neighbor vrf CUSTOMER-E` explicitly queries OSPF neighbors within the VRF named CUSTOMER-E. The output shows two neighbors (10.0.0.8 and 10.0.0.9) with states FULL/DR and FULL/BDR, confirming that OSPF is actively operating inside that VRF. Therefore, option C is correct because it accurately states that OSPF is operating within VRF CUSTOMER-E with two neighbors.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
OSPF is not configured for VRF CUSTOMER-E
Why it's wrong here
Neighbors are shown, so OSPF is configured.
There is only one OSPF neighbor in VRF CUSTOMER-E
Why it's wrong here
Two neighbors are listed.
OSPF is operating within VRF CUSTOMER-E with two neighbors
Why this is correct
Two neighbors are in FULL state, indicating OSPF adjacency.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
The DR is 10.0.0.9
Why it's wrong here
The DR is 10.0.0.8 (state FULL/DR).
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the misconception that the DR is always the neighbor with the highest IP address or the first listed, but the DR is explicitly indicated by the state field (FULL/DR), not by the Neighbor ID or IP address.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Neighbors are shown, so OSPF is configured.
Detailed technical explanation
In a multi-VRF environment, OSPF processes are tied to specific VRFs using the `router ospf [process-id] vrf [vrf-name]` command, and the `show ip ospf neighbor vrf` command filters the output to only show neighbors in that VRF. The DR/BDR election is based on the highest OSPF priority (default 1) and then the highest Router ID; here, 10.0.0.8 is the DR and 10.0.0.9 is the BDR, which is typical for a multi-access segment like the subinterfaces shown. A real-world scenario where this matters is in MPLS L3VPN deployments, where service providers isolate customer routing tables using VRFs and must verify OSPF adjacencies per VRF to ensure proper route redistribution.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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FAQ
VRF and Path Isolation — This question tests VRF and Path Isolation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: OSPF is operating within VRF CUSTOMER-E with two neighbors — The command `show ip ospf neighbor vrf CUSTOMER-E` explicitly queries OSPF neighbors within the VRF named CUSTOMER-E. The output shows two neighbors (10.0.0.8 and 10.0.0.9) with states FULL/DR and FULL/BDR, confirming that OSPF is actively operating inside that VRF. Therefore, option C is correct because it accurately states that OSPF is operating within VRF CUSTOMER-E with two neighbors.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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