The answer is that the keyword 'peer' should be 'neighbor' in the command. This is because Junos OS uses the term 'neighbor' to reference a BGP peer in operational mode commands, while 'peer' is not a recognized keyword for viewing configuration details. When you type 'show configuration protocols bgp group external neighbor 10.0.0.1', the system correctly displays the BGP neighbor configuration for that specific peer, whereas using 'peer' triggers a syntax error due to the strict Junos CLI syntax. On the JNCIA-Junos exam, this tests your familiarity with Junos-specific terminology and the distinction between operational and configuration mode commands—a common trap is assuming Cisco-style 'peer' syntax works here. A helpful memory tip: in Junos, you "neighbor" your BGP peers, not "peer" them.
JNCIA-JUNOS User Interfaces Practice Question
This JNCIA-JUNOS practice question tests your understanding of user interfaces. 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 engineer is troubleshooting a BGP session that is not establishing. They want to see the BGP configuration details for peer 10.0.0.1. They type 'show configuration protocols bgp group external peer 10.0.0.1' but receive 'error: syntax error'. They are in operational mode. What is the most likely issue?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The keyword 'peer' should be 'neighbor'.
In Junos OS, the correct keyword to reference a BGP peer in operational mode commands is 'neighbor', not 'peer'. The command 'show configuration protocols bgp group external neighbor 10.0.0.1' would display the configuration for that specific peer. Using 'peer' causes a syntax error because Junos does not recognize that keyword in this context.
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.
✗
The peer IP 10.0.0.1 is not configured on the device.
Why it's wrong here
While possible, a syntax error indicates a problem with the command syntax, not missing configuration.
✓
The keyword 'peer' should be 'neighbor'.
Why this is correct
In JunOS BGP configuration, the keyword 'neighbor' is used to refer to a BGP peer, not 'peer'.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The command should be 'show configuration protocols bgp group external | match 10.0.0.1'.
Why it's wrong here
The pipe filter '| match' is used to search output, but the command structure itself is correct except for the keyword.
✗
They need to enter configuration mode first.
Why it's wrong here
The 'show configuration' command is valid in operational mode; configuration mode is not required to view configuration.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates familiar with Cisco IOS, which uses 'neighbor' in configuration mode but 'peer' in some show commands, may incorrectly assume Junos uses 'peer' similarly, leading to a syntax error.
Trap categories for this question
Keyword trap
The pipe filter '| match' is used to search output, but the command structure itself is correct except for the keyword.
Command / output trap
While possible, a syntax error indicates a problem with the command syntax, not missing configuration.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Junos uses 'neighbor' for BGP peer configuration statements (e.g., 'neighbor 10.0.0.1') and in operational commands like 'show bgp neighbor'. This aligns with RFC 4271 terminology. The 'show configuration' command in operational mode displays the active configuration from the candidate or committed configuration, but the syntax must match Junos CLI conventions exactly.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
User Interfaces — This question tests User Interfaces — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The keyword 'peer' should be 'neighbor'. — In Junos OS, the correct keyword to reference a BGP peer in operational mode commands is 'neighbor', not 'peer'. The command 'show configuration protocols bgp group external neighbor 10.0.0.1' would display the configuration for that specific peer. Using 'peer' causes a syntax error because Junos does not recognize that keyword in this context.
What should I do if I get this JNCIA-JUNOS question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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