Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Practice Exam

What is the role of the Active router in HSRP?

1. To monitor and configure backup routers

2. To handle all network traffic for the virtual router group

3. To serve as a passive backup when offline

4. To initiate session establishment with the client devices

The correct answer is: To handle all network traffic for the virtual router group

The role of the Active router in Hot Standby Router Protocol (HSRP) is to handle all network traffic for the virtual router group. In an HSRP setup, multiple routers can be configured to work together as a single virtual router. The Active router takes on the responsibility of forwarding packets sent to the virtual IP address, which represents the group of routers. When the Active router is operational, it responds to the traffic directed to the virtual IP, ensuring that the network remains functional and providing continuous service. The other routers in the HSRP group act as standby routers, ready to take over in the event that the Active router fails. This failover process enhances network reliability and availability. While monitoring backup routers, serving as passive backups, or initiating session establishment might seem pertinent to router redundancy or handling traffic, these functions are not the primary role of the Active router within HSRP. The main focus of the Active router is to manage actual data transmission for the virtual IP address and ensure uninterrupted connectivity for end devices.