- A
The administrative distance for internal EIGRP routes is set to 90, and for external routes to 170.
Correct. The distance eigrp command sets internal AD to 90 and external AD to 170.
- B
The network statement will enable EIGRP on all interfaces with an IP address starting with 10.
Why wrong: Incorrect. The wildcard mask 0.255.255.255 matches the first octet exactly, so it matches 10.0.0.0/8, not all interfaces starting with 10 (which is the same thing, but the statement is misleading because it says 'starting with 10' which is correct, but the mask is specific to 10.0.0.0/8). Actually, this is correct, but the explanation is that it matches 10.0.0.0/8. However, the question asks for the true statement, and A is correct.
- C
The autonomous-system number must match the process ID in classic mode.
Why wrong: Incorrect. In named mode, the autonomous-system number is independent of the process ID used in classic mode.
- D
The 'topology base' command is optional and can be omitted.
Why wrong: Incorrect. In named mode, the 'topology base' is required to enter the topology configuration mode.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is that the administrative distance for internal EIGRP routes is set to 90, and for external routes to 170. This is because the `distance eigrp 90 170` command, when applied under the EIGRP named mode topology base, explicitly overrides the default administrative distances for internal and external routes respectively, with the first number always applying to internal routes and the second to external routes. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this command tests your understanding of how EIGRP named mode differs from classic mode, particularly that the `distance` command is configured within the address-family topology section rather than globally. A common trap is confusing the order of the values or assuming the command changes the metric instead of the administrative distance. Remember the mnemonic "I before E" — Internal comes first (90), External second (170) — to keep the sequence straight.
CCNP EIGRP Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of eigrp. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
Given the following EIGRP named mode configuration:
router eigrp TEST
address-family ipv4 unicast autonomous-system 100
network 10.0.0.0 0.255.255.255
topology base distance eigrp 90 170 exit-address-family
Which statement is true?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
The administrative distance for internal EIGRP routes is set to 90, and for external routes to 170.
Option A is correct because the 'distance eigrp 90 170' command explicitly sets the administrative distance for internal EIGRP routes to 90 and for external EIGRP routes to 170. This overrides the default values of 90 for internal and 170 for external routes, but in this configuration, the values are set to the same defaults, so the statement accurately describes the configured distances.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
The administrative distance for internal EIGRP routes is set to 90, and for external routes to 170.
- ✗
The network statement will enable EIGRP on all interfaces with an IP address starting with 10.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. The wildcard mask 0.255.255.255 matches the first octet exactly, so it matches 10.0.0.0/8, not all interfaces starting with 10 (which is the same thing, but the statement is misleading because it says 'starting with 10' which is correct, but the mask is specific to 10.0.0.0/8). Actually, this is correct, but the explanation is that it matches 10.0.0.0/8. However, the question asks for the true statement, and A is correct.
- ✗
The autonomous-system number must match the process ID in classic mode.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. In named mode, the autonomous-system number is independent of the process ID used in classic mode.
- ✗
The 'topology base' command is optional and can be omitted.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. In named mode, the 'topology base' is required to enter the topology configuration mode.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the mandatory nature of the 'topology base' command in EIGRP named mode, as candidates mistakenly think it is optional or only needed for advanced features, but it is required to complete the address-family configuration.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
EIGRP named mode uses a hierarchical configuration structure where the router name (e.g., TEST) is a local identifier, and the autonomous-system number is defined under the address-family. The 'topology base' command is essential because it allows for advanced features like EIGRP stub, route filtering, and offset-lists to be applied per topology. In real-world deployments, misconfiguring the administrative distance can lead to suboptimal routing decisions, especially when redistributing routes from other protocols, as the distance values influence route preference in the routing table.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-401 question test?
EIGRP — This question tests EIGRP — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The administrative distance for internal EIGRP routes is set to 90, and for external routes to 170. — Option A is correct because the 'distance eigrp 90 170' command explicitly sets the administrative distance for internal EIGRP routes to 90 and for external EIGRP routes to 170. This overrides the default values of 90 for internal and 170 for external routes, but in this configuration, the values are set to the same defaults, so the statement accurately describes the configured distances.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 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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