- A
By default, EIGRP internal routes are preferred over OSPF routes.
EIGRP internal AD is 90, OSPF is 110, so EIGRP is preferred.
- B
By default, OSPF routes are preferred over EIGRP external routes.
OSPF AD is 110, EIGRP external AD is 170, so OSPF is preferred.
- C
The administrative distance for OSPF can be changed using the distance ospf command.
The distance ospf command allows changing AD for intra-area, inter-area, and external routes.
- D
EIGRP internal routes have a default administrative distance of 170.
Why wrong: EIGRP internal routes have AD 90; external routes have AD 170.
- E
OSPF external routes have a default administrative distance of 110.
Why wrong: OSPF external routes also have AD 110 by default, but they are not preferred over EIGRP internal routes.
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.
Which THREE statements about administrative distance are true when comparing OSPF and EIGRP? (Choose THREE.)
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
By default, EIGRP internal routes are preferred over OSPF routes.
OSPF has a default AD of 110, EIGRP internal routes have 90, and EIGRP external routes have 170. Therefore, EIGRP internal routes are preferred over OSPF, but OSPF is preferred over EIGRP external routes. Administrative distance can be manually changed for either protocol.
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.
- ✓
By default, EIGRP internal routes are preferred over OSPF routes.
- ✓
By default, OSPF routes are preferred over EIGRP external routes.
- ✓
The administrative distance for OSPF can be changed using the distance ospf command.
- ✗
EIGRP internal routes have a default administrative distance of 170.
- ✗
OSPF external routes have a default administrative distance of 110.
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.
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: By default, EIGRP internal routes are preferred over OSPF routes. — OSPF has a default AD of 110, EIGRP internal routes have 90, and EIGRP external routes have 170. Therefore, EIGRP internal routes are preferred over OSPF, but OSPF is preferred over EIGRP external routes. Administrative distance can be manually changed for either protocol.
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.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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