A local router shows an EBGP neighbor in the Active state. Which statement is true about the local router?

Question

Options

• AThe local router has active prefix in the forwarding table from the neighboring router
• BThe local router has BGP passive mode configured for the neighboring router
• CThe local router is attempting to open a TCP session with the neighboring router.
• DThe local router is receiving prefixes from the neighboring router and adding them in RIB-IN

• A
  2% (1)
• B
  2% (1)
• C
  87% (39)
• D
  9% (4)

Explanation

BGP Active State Explanation

When a BGP neighbor is in the Active state, it means the local router is actively initiating and attempting to establish a TCP (port 179) connection with the remote peer - this is part of the BGP finite state machine where the router repeatedly tries to open a TCP session after failing to connect in the Connect state.

Why the distractors are wrong:

• Option A is incorrect because having active prefixes in the forwarding table would only occur after the BGP session has fully established (Established state), not during Active state.
• Option B is incorrect because BGP passive mode actually prevents the router from initiating TCP connections - a passive router would remain in Idle/Connect, waiting for the peer to initiate instead.
• Option D is incorrect because receiving prefixes and populating the RIB-IN only happens once the session reaches the Established state, far beyond the Active state.

Memory Tip: Think of the Active state like a person actively dialing a phone number repeatedly - the router is "dialing out" by initiating TCP connections. If you see "Active," think "Trying to connect via TCP." A stuck Active state often points to a misconfiguration (wrong IP, ACL blocking port 179, or TTL issues with EBGP multihop).

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