maximum-paths [n]
Configures the maximum number of equal-cost paths that EIGRP can use for load balancing to a destination network.
maximum-paths [n]When to Use This Command
- Enable load balancing across multiple equal-cost EIGRP routes to increase available bandwidth.
- Limit the number of paths to prevent excessive routing table size in large networks.
- Override the default maximum of 4 paths to allow up to 32 paths for high-availability designs.
- Reduce the number of paths to 1 to force single-path routing for troubleshooting or policy reasons.
Command Examples
Set maximum paths to 2 for load balancing
maximum-paths 2Router(config-router)# maximum-paths 2 Router(config-router)#
The command is entered in router configuration mode. No output is shown; the router accepts the command silently. This sets EIGRP to use up to 2 equal-cost paths for load balancing.
Verify maximum paths configuration
show ip protocols | include maximum Maximum path: 2
Routing for Networks:
192.168.1.0
10.0.0.0The 'show ip protocols' command displays the current EIGRP configuration. The 'Maximum path' field shows the configured value (2 in this case). This confirms the setting is active.
Understanding the Output
The 'maximum-paths' command itself produces no output when entered. To verify the setting, use 'show ip protocols' and look for the 'Maximum path' line under the EIGRP process. The value shown is the number of equal-cost paths EIGRP will install in the routing table. A value of 1 means no load balancing; higher values (up to 32) enable load balancing. In 'show ip route eigrp', you may see multiple next-hop IP addresses for the same destination network if load balancing is active. For example, 'D 10.1.1.0/24 [90/2172416] via 192.168.1.1, 00:00:12, GigabitEthernet0/0, via 192.168.1.2, 00:00:12, GigabitEthernet0/1' indicates two paths. The number of paths displayed should not exceed the configured maximum-paths value.
CCNA Exam Tips
The default maximum paths for EIGRP is 4; the range is 1 to 32.
CCNA exam may ask: 'Which command enables load balancing across 3 equal-cost EIGRP routes?' Answer: 'maximum-paths 3'.
Remember that EIGRP supports unequal-cost load balancing via 'variance', but 'maximum-paths' only controls equal-cost paths.
The command is configured under router eigrp configuration mode, not interface mode.
Common Mistakes
Setting maximum-paths to a value higher than the number of actual equal-cost paths; no error occurs but no additional load balancing is achieved.
Forgetting that 'maximum-paths' applies to all routes learned by EIGRP, not per-destination.
Confusing 'maximum-paths' with 'variance'; variance enables unequal-cost load balancing, while maximum-paths limits the total number of paths used.
Related Commands
show ip protocols
Displays the current state of all IP routing protocols running on the router, including timers, filters, and network advertisements.
show ip route
Displays the current IP routing table on a Cisco router, used to verify routes, check next-hop addresses, and troubleshoot connectivity issues.
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