Quick Answer
The answer is 255, as EIGRP uses a maximum hop count of 255 to prevent routing loops, though its default is set to 100 for practical stability. This limit is a hard-coded architectural boundary within the protocol, meaning any route with a hop count exceeding 255 is considered unreachable, regardless of metric. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this concept tests your understanding of EIGRP’s loop-prevention mechanisms versus its metric-based path selection, often appearing as a trick where the default (100) is confused with the absolute maximum (255). A common trap is assuming the default is the maximum, so remember that while EIGRP’s metric is far more sophisticated than hop count, the 255 ceiling acts as a safety net. For a quick memory tip: think of the 255 as the “last resort” limit—like the 255 in an IPv4 subnet mask, it’s the maximum possible value in an 8-bit field.
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of acls and copp. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
What is the maximum hop count for EIGRP?
100
Why wrong: 100 is the default hop count, but the maximum is 255.
255
EIGRP supports a maximum hop count of 255.
15
Why wrong: 15 is the maximum hop count for RIP.
Unlimited
Why wrong: EIGRP has a finite hop count limit of 255.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
255
EIGRP uses a maximum hop count of 255, but the default is 100.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
100
Why it's wrong here
100 is the default hop count, but the maximum is 255.
255
Why this is correct
EIGRP supports a maximum hop count of 255.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
15
Why it's wrong here
15 is the maximum hop count for RIP.
Unlimited
Why it's wrong here
EIGRP has a finite hop count limit of 255.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the 350-401 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Identify which 350-401 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
ACLs and CoPP — study guide chapter
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FAQ
ACLs and CoPP — This question tests ACLs and CoPP — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: 255 — EIGRP uses a maximum hop count of 255, but the default is 100.
Identify which 350-401 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
This 350-401 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 350-401 exam.
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