Quick Answer
The answer is the show ospf database command, because it displays the link-state advertisements (LSAs) that OSPF has received from its neighbors, directly revealing whether a specific route has been learned. When troubleshooting a missing route with an established OSPF adjacency, the issue often lies in the LSA exchange rather than neighbor reachability, and this command lets you check OSPF received routes via database contents. On the JNCIA-Junos exam, this question tests your understanding that OSPF maintains a separate link-state database from the routing table, and that a neighbor being up does not guarantee a route is present. A common trap is to choose show ospf neighbor, which only confirms adjacency status, or show route, which shows only active routes already installed. Remember the memory tip: “Database before route” — always verify the LSA in the OSPF database first to confirm the route was received, before checking if it was installed.
This JNCIA-JUNOS practice question tests your understanding of routing fundamentals. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 administrator is troubleshooting a missing route in the routing table. The route is learned via OSPF, and the OSPF neighbor adjacency is up. Which command would help determine if OSPF received the route?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "which command"
Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
show route protocol ospf
Why wrong: This command shows only active routes, not necessarily all received routes.
show ospf neighbor
Why wrong: This command shows OSPF neighbor states, not received routes.
show ospf database
This command shows LSAs in the OSPF database, including received routes.
show interface terse
Why wrong: This command shows interface status, not routing information.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
show ospf database
The 'show ospf database' command displays LSAs received by OSPF, indicating if the route was received. Option A shows neighbors only. Option C shows only active routes. Option D shows interface status.
Key principle: OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
show route protocol ospf
Why it's wrong here
This command shows only active routes, not necessarily all received routes.
show ospf neighbor
Why it's wrong here
This command shows OSPF neighbor states, not received routes.
show ospf database
show interface terse
Why it's wrong here
This command shows interface status, not routing information.
Common exam traps
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
This command shows only active routes, not necessarily all received routes.
Detailed technical explanation
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.
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
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
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 JNCIA-JUNOS OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
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FAQ
Routing Fundamentals — This question tests Routing Fundamentals — OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters..
The correct answer is: show ospf database — The 'show ospf database' command displays LSAs received by OSPF, indicating if the route was received. Option A shows neighbors only. Option C shows only active routes. Option D shows interface status.
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 JNCIA-JUNOS OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
Yes — watch for: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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