Where OSPF elects a DR/BDR: Which OSPF network types perform Designated Router (DR) and Backup Designated Router (BDR) elections?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 1 and 3

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
OSPF uses DR/BDR elections to reduce adjacencies on multiaccess media. Not all network types perform elections; understanding where they occur is key for design and troubleshooting adjacencies.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • (1) Broadcast
  • (2) Point-to-point
  • (3) NBMA (Non-Broadcast Multi-Access)
  • (4) NBMA point-to-point (not an election scenario)


Concept / Approach:

DR/BDR is used on multiaccess segments: Broadcast Ethernet and NBMA networks (e.g., Frame Relay multipoint). Point-to-point links have only two neighbors, so elections are unnecessary and not performed.



Step-by-Step Solution:

Identify multiaccess types: Broadcast (1), NBMA (3).Eliminate point-to-point (2) and NBMA point-to-point (4) because there is no multiaccess adjacency explosion to optimize.Select '1 and 3'.


Verification / Alternative check:

On Ethernet (broadcast), show ip ospf interface shows DR/BDR. On serial point-to-point links, no such election occurs; neighbors form full adjacency directly.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Including point-to-point introduces a type where DR/BDR is not used.

'All of the above' incorrectly assumes elections everywhere.



Common Pitfalls:

Confusing Frame Relay point-to-point subinterfaces (no election) with multipoint (election); assuming passive interfaces affect DR/BDR—passive controls hellos, not election rules.



Final Answer:

1 and 3

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