- A
Static route: A route manually configured by an administrator.
Static routes are explicitly configured and do not change unless manually updated.
- B
Connected route: A route learned via the OSPF routing protocol.
Why wrong: Incorrect – connected routes are directly attached network interfaces, not OSPF-learned.
- C
OSPF route: A route learned through the OSPF dynamic routing protocol.
OSPF routes are dynamically learned using the Open Shortest Path First protocol.
- D
BGP route: A route learned via the Border Gateway Protocol.
BGP routes are exchanged between autonomous systems using BGP.
- E
Default route: A static route with a next-hop of 0.0.0.0.
Why wrong: Incorrect – a default route is 0.0.0.0/0 but can be learned via various methods, not necessarily static.
- F
Floating static route: A static route with a higher administrative distance that serves as a backup.
Floating static routes are configured with a higher metric so they are used only when primary routes fail.
PCNSE Deploy and Configure Firewalls Practice Question
This PCNSE practice question tests your understanding of deploy and configure firewalls. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
Match each type of route to its description.
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
Static route: A route manually configured by an administrator.
Correct matches: A (Static: manual), C (OSPF: OSPF-learned), D (BGP: BGP-learned), F (Floating static: backup with higher distance). Distractors swap definitions for connected (B) and default (E).
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.
- ✓
Static route: A route manually configured by an administrator.
Why this is correct
Static routes are explicitly configured and do not change unless manually updated.
Related concept
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
- ✗
Connected route: A route learned via the OSPF routing protocol.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect – connected routes are directly attached network interfaces, not OSPF-learned.
- ✓
OSPF route: A route learned through the OSPF dynamic routing protocol.
- ✓
BGP route: A route learned via the Border Gateway Protocol.
- ✗
Default route: A static route with a next-hop of 0.0.0.0.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect – a default route is 0.0.0.0/0 but can be learned via various methods, not necessarily static.
- ✓
Floating static route: A static route with a higher administrative distance that serves as a backup.
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.
Visual reference
Quick reference
Routing Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Metric | Max Hops | Algorithm | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RIP v2 | Hop count | 15 | Bellman-Ford | Distance vector |
| OSPF | Cost (bandwidth) | Unlimited | Dijkstra (SPF) | Link state |
| EIGRP | Composite metric | Unlimited | DUAL | Hybrid |
| IS-IS | Cost | Unlimited | Dijkstra | Link state |
| BGP | Policy / attributes | Unlimited | Path vector | Path vector |
RIP's 15-hop limit makes it unsuitable for large networks. OSPF and EIGRP dominate modern enterprise deployments.
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 PCNSE OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PCNSE question test?
Deploy and Configure Firewalls — This question tests Deploy and Configure Firewalls — OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Static route: A route manually configured by an administrator. — Correct matches: A (Static: manual), C (OSPF: OSPF-learned), D (BGP: BGP-learned), F (Floating static: backup with higher distance). Distractors swap definitions for connected (B) and default (E).
What should I do if I get this PCNSE 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 PCNSE 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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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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