An HSRP active router has the following characteristics:
- Responds to default gateway’s ARP requests with the virtual router’s MAC.
- Assumes active forwarding of packets for the virtual router.
- Sends Hello messages.
- Knows the virtual router IP address.
An HSRP standby router has the following characteristics:
- Listens for periodic Hello messages.
- Assumes active forwarding of packets if it does not hear from the active router.
Use the show standby command to verify the HSRP state. In the figure, the output shows that the router is in the active state.