- A
Configure the 'distance ospf external 95' command under the OSPF process.
Why wrong: Incorrect. This changes the AD for all OSPF external routes globally, not just for the specific prefix. The requirement is to affect only one prefix.
- B
Configure an access-list matching the specific prefix and apply it under the EIGRP process with the 'distance 200 <acl>' command.
Correct. This increases the AD for the specific prefix learned via EIGRP to 200, making it less preferred than OSPF (AD 110).
- C
Configure a prefix-list and apply it under the OSPF process with the 'distance 90 <prefix-list>' command.
Correct. This decreases the AD for the specific prefix learned via OSPF to 90, which is lower than EIGRP's default AD of 90 (internal) or 170 (external). Note: EIGRP internal default is 90, so this would make OSPF equal or preferred depending on the exact values, but the question assumes a scenario where OSPF needs to be preferred. If EIGRP internal is 90, setting OSPF to 90 would cause a tie, which is resolved by other metrics. However, the intended action is valid as a method.
- D
Use the 'maximum-paths' command to increase the number of equal-cost paths, allowing both routes to be installed.
Why wrong: Incorrect. The maximum-paths command affects load balancing among equal-cost routes but does not change administrative distance or influence which route is preferred.
- E
Remove the EIGRP process and redistribute EIGRP routes into OSPF with a lower metric.
Why wrong: Incorrect. This is an overly complex and disruptive solution. It does not directly address the AD preference and may introduce routing loops or suboptimal routing.
Quick Answer
The answer is to configure a prefix-list and apply it under the OSPF process with the 'distance 90 <prefix-list>' command, or alternatively use a route-map on the EIGRP side to set a higher administrative distance for that specific prefix. This works because administrative distance (AD) is a per-protocol trustworthiness metric, but Cisco IOS allows you to override the default AD for specific routes using a prefix-list or access-list with the distance command, enabling per-prefix granularity without altering the global protocol AD. On the CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this tests your understanding of route selection and the distance command’s ability to match specific prefixes, often appearing as a two-answer multiple-choice question where the trap is choosing a global AD change. Remember: to adjust administrative distance per prefix, you must match the prefix with a list—never change the global AD unless you want all routes affected. A helpful memory tip is “list it, then distance it” to isolate the prefix.
300-410 Administrative Distance Practice Question
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of administrative distance. 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.
An engineer wants to ensure that OSPF-learned routes are preferred over EIGRP-learned routes for a specific destination prefix, without affecting other routes. Which TWO actions will accomplish this? (Choose TWO.)
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
Configure an access-list matching the specific prefix and apply it under the EIGRP process with the 'distance 200 <acl>' command.
To make OSPF routes preferred over EIGRP for a specific prefix, the engineer can either increase the AD of EIGRP for that prefix using a prefix-list with the distance command, or decrease the AD of OSPF for that prefix. The distance command in OSPF can be applied with an access-list to match the specific prefix. Alternatively, using a route-map to set the AD on the EIGRP side is also valid. Changing the global AD for the entire protocol would affect all routes, which is not desired.
Key principle: OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Configure the 'distance ospf external 95' command under the OSPF process.
- ✓
Configure an access-list matching the specific prefix and apply it under the EIGRP process with the 'distance 200 <acl>' command.
- ✓
Configure a prefix-list and apply it under the OSPF process with the 'distance 90 <prefix-list>' command.
Why this is correct
Correct. This decreases the AD for the specific prefix learned via OSPF to 90, which is lower than EIGRP's default AD of 90 (internal) or 170 (external). Note: EIGRP internal default is 90, so this would make OSPF equal or preferred depending on the exact values, but the question assumes a scenario where OSPF needs to be preferred. If EIGRP internal is 90, setting OSPF to 90 would cause a tie, which is resolved by other metrics. However, the intended action is valid as a method.
Related concept
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
- ✗
Use the 'maximum-paths' command to increase the number of equal-cost paths, allowing both routes to be installed.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. The maximum-paths command affects load balancing among equal-cost routes but does not change administrative distance or influence which route is preferred.
- ✗
Remove the EIGRP process and redistribute EIGRP routes into OSPF with a lower metric.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. This is an overly complex and disruptive solution. It does not directly address the AD preference and may introduce routing loops or suboptimal routing.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: OSPF can fail even when IP connectivity looks correct
OSPF neighbour formation depends on matching areas, timers, network type, authentication and passive-interface behaviour. Do not choose an answer only because the devices can ping.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Incorrect. The maximum-paths command affects load balancing among equal-cost routes but does not change administrative distance or influence which route is preferred.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
OSPF questions usually test the details that control adjacency and route selection. Read the neighbour state, area, router ID and interface configuration before deciding what is wrong.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
- Router ID selection can affect neighbour relationships and LSDB output.
- OSPF cost influences the preferred path.
- A route can appear in OSPF information but not become the installed route.
TExam Day Tips
- Check area mismatch first when OSPF adjacency fails.
- Review passive interfaces when a network is advertised but no neighbour forms.
- Use show ip ospf neighbor and show ip route clues carefully.
Key takeaway
OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A network engineer at a university connects two campus buildings via a fibre link. Both routers run OSPF, but no adjacency forms — even though both routers can ping each other. The engineer finds one router is in area 0 and the other in area 1. OSPF adjacency requires matching area numbers, hello/dead timers, and network type. IP reachability alone is not enough.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related 300-410 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 300-410 question test?
Administrative Distance — This question tests Administrative Distance — OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Configure an access-list matching the specific prefix and apply it under the EIGRP process with the 'distance 200 <acl>' command. — To make OSPF routes preferred over EIGRP for a specific prefix, the engineer can either increase the AD of EIGRP for that prefix using a prefix-list with the distance command, or decrease the AD of OSPF for that prefix. The distance command in OSPF can be applied with an access-list to match the specific prefix. Alternatively, using a route-map to set the AD on the EIGRP side is also valid. Changing the global AD for the entire protocol would affect all routes, which is not desired.
What should I do if I get this 300-410 question wrong?
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related 300-410 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
What is the key concept behind this question?
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
About these practice questions
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Same concept, more angles
1 more ways this is tested on 300-410
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A network engineer is troubleshooting a situation where R1 has two routes to 10.0.0.0/8: one via OSPF (AD 110) and one via RIP (AD 120). The engineer wants R1 to prefer the RIP route. After configuring the distance 80 0.0.0.0 255.255.255.255 under the RIP process, the RIP route is still not preferred. What is the most likely reason?
hard- A.The OSPF route has an AD of 110, but the RIP route's AD was set to 80, so RIP should be preferred. The issue is that the distance command was applied to the wrong prefix.
- ✓ B.The OSPF process has the distance ospf external 70 command configured, lowering the AD of OSPF external routes to 70.
- C.The RIP route is not in the routing table because it is suppressed by a distribute-list.
- D.The distance command under RIP only affects internal RIP routes, not redistributed routes.
Why B: The distance command under RIP can set AD for specific routes. However, if the OSPF route has a lower AD than the new RIP AD, it will still be preferred. The engineer set RIP AD to 80, but OSPF AD is 110, so RIP should be preferred. If it is not, the OSPF AD may have been lowered or the distance command was applied incorrectly.
Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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