- A
Under EIGRP, the 'distance eigrp <internal-distance> <external-distance>' command sets different ADs for internal and external routes.
Correct. EIGRP allows separate AD configuration for internal and external routes using the 'distance eigrp' command.
- B
Under OSPF, the 'distance ospf <intra-area> <inter-area> <external>' command sets AD for different route types.
Correct. OSPF supports setting AD for intra-area, inter-area, and external routes separately using the 'distance ospf' command.
- C
The 'distance' command can be used to change the AD of connected routes.
Why wrong: Incorrect. Connected routes have a fixed AD of 0 and cannot be modified by the distance command under a routing protocol. They are not learned via a routing protocol.
- D
The 'distance' command requires a route-map to match specific prefixes in all routing protocols.
Why wrong: Incorrect. While some protocols (like BGP) can use route-maps, others (like EIGRP and OSPF) can use access-lists or prefix-lists directly with the distance command. Route-maps are not mandatory.
- E
The 'distance' command can be used to set an AD of 0 for a specific route.
Why wrong: Incorrect. The AD range is 1 to 255. An AD of 0 is reserved for connected routes and cannot be assigned via the distance command.
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 TWO statements about the 'distance' command in Cisco IOS routing protocols are true? (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
Under EIGRP, the 'distance eigrp <internal-distance> <external-distance>' command sets different ADs for internal and external routes.
The distance command can be used to modify the administrative distance for routes learned via a routing protocol. It can be applied globally or with an access-list or prefix-list to match specific routes. The command does not affect the AD of routes from other protocols. The distance value must be between 1 and 255. The command can be used under EIGRP, OSPF, RIP, and BGP, but the syntax varies slightly.
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.
- ✓
Under EIGRP, the 'distance eigrp <internal-distance> <external-distance>' command sets different ADs for internal and external routes.
- ✓
Under OSPF, the 'distance ospf <intra-area> <inter-area> <external>' command sets AD for different route types.
- ✗
The 'distance' command can be used to change the AD of connected routes.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Connected routes have a fixed AD of 0 and cannot be modified by the distance command under a routing protocol. They are not learned via a routing protocol.
- ✗
The 'distance' command requires a route-map to match specific prefixes in all routing protocols.
- ✗
The 'distance' command can be used to set an AD of 0 for a specific route.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. The AD range is 1 to 255. An AD of 0 is reserved for connected routes and cannot be assigned via the distance command.
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. Connected routes have a fixed AD of 0 and cannot be modified by the distance command under a routing protocol. They are not learned via a routing protocol.
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: Under EIGRP, the 'distance eigrp <internal-distance> <external-distance>' command sets different ADs for internal and external routes. — The distance command can be used to modify the administrative distance for routes learned via a routing protocol. It can be applied globally or with an access-list or prefix-list to match specific routes. The command does not affect the AD of routes from other protocols. The distance value must be between 1 and 255. The command can be used under EIGRP, OSPF, RIP, and BGP, but the syntax varies slightly.
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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