Quick Answer
The answer is 255. EIGRP’s maximum hop count limit is 255, though its default is set to 100, because the protocol uses a composite metric based on bandwidth and delay rather than hop count for path selection, but it still enforces a hard hop-count ceiling to prevent routing loops in very large or misconfigured topologies. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this often appears as a trick question where you must distinguish between the default (100) and the absolute maximum (255); many candidates mistakenly choose 100 or 224 (RIP’s limit). Remember that EIGRP’s hop count is a safety valve, not a routing metric—think of it as a “255 ceiling, 100 default” rule. A simple memory tip: “EIGRP hops to 255, but stops at 100 by default.”
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of ansible automation. 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?
255
Correct. EIGRP supports up to 255 hops.
100
Why wrong: Incorrect. 100 is the default hop count, but the maximum is 255.
15
Why wrong: Incorrect. 15 is the maximum hop count for RIP.
16
Why wrong: Incorrect. 16 is the infinity value for RIP, not EIGRP.
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 metric based on bandwidth and delay, but it also has a hop count limit. The maximum hop count for EIGRP is 255, though 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.
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.
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FAQ
Ansible Automation — This question tests Ansible Automation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: 255 — EIGRP uses a metric based on bandwidth and delay, but it also has a hop count limit. The maximum hop count for EIGRP is 255, though 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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