HSRP States

Initial – This is the beginning state. It indicates HSRP is not running. It happens when the configuration changes or the interface is first turned on.

Listen – The router knows both IP and MAC address for the virtual router but it is not the active or standby router. For example, if there are 3 routers in HSRP group, the router that is not in active or standby state will remain in listen state.

Speak – The router sends periodic HSRP hellos and participates in the election of the active or standby router.

Standby – In this state, the router monitors hellos from the active router and it will take the active state when the current active router fails (no packets heard from active router)

Active – The router forwards packets that are sent to the HSRP group. The router also sends periodic hello messages.