Content

| 6.3 |  | HSRP Operations |
| 6.3.4 |  | HSRP states |

HSRP defines six states in which an HSRP-enabled router can exist:

- Initial – This is the state from which the routers begin the HSRP process. This state indicates that HSRP is not running. It is entered via a configuration change or when an interface first comes up.
- Learn – The router has not determined the virtual IP address, and has not yet seen an authenticated hello message from the active router. In this state the router is still waiting to hear from the active router.
- Listen – The router knows the virtual IP address, but is neither the active router nor the standby router. It listens for hello messages from those routers. Routers other than the active and standby router remain in the listen state.
- Speak – The router sends periodic hello messages and is actively participating in the election of the active or standby router. A router cannot enter Speak state unless it has the virtual IP address.
- Standby – The router is a candidate to become the next active router and sends periodic hello messages. Excluding transient conditions, there must be at most one router in the group in Standby state.
- Active – The router is currently forwarding packets that are sent to the group virtual MAC address. The router sends periodic hello messages. Excluding transient conditions, there must be at most one router in Active state in the HSRP group.

| Interactive Media Activity Drag and Drop: HSRP States After completing this activity, the students will be able to understand HSRP states.