- A
The offset-list modifies the advertised distance (AD) sent to neighbors, but Router B ignores it.
Why wrong: Offset-list only changes the feasible distance (FD), not the AD.
- B
The offset-list only affects the feasible distance (FD) on Router A; the advertised distance (AD) sent to Router B remains unchanged.
Router B uses the AD from Router A for its feasibility condition and metric comparison; the offset-list does not alter the AD.
- C
The offset-list is applied to the wrong interface; it must be applied to the outgoing interface towards Router B.
Why wrong: Offset-list can be applied in or out, but it still only affects FD on the router where it is applied.
- D
EIGRP named mode does not support offset-list; only classic mode supports it.
Why wrong: Named mode supports offset-list with the `offset-list` command under the address-family.
Quick Answer
The answer is that the offset-list only modifies the feasible distance (FD) on Router A, while the advertised distance (AD) sent to Router B remains unchanged. This is because an EIGRP offset-list adjusts the composite metric of a route locally on the router where it is applied, but it does not alter the metric value that is advertised to neighbors in EIGRP update packets. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this concept tests your understanding of the distinction between FD and AD in EIGRP’s Diffusing Update Algorithm (DUAL), often appearing in questions where a neighbor still prefers a different path despite a local offset. A common trap is assuming the offset-list propagates to neighbors, but it strictly affects local route selection and feasibility condition checks. Memory tip: “Offset-list offsets the FD, not the AD—your neighbor sees the original metric you’d advertise.”
300-410 Administrative Distance Practice Question
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of administrative distance. 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.
An engineer configures EIGRP named mode with an offset-list that increases the metric of a route on Router A. The route is still selected as the best path on Router A's neighbor, Router B, because Router B learns the same prefix via another EIGRP neighbor with a higher metric. Which is the most likely explanation?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"best"Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Clue:
"most likely"Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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 offset-list only affects the feasible distance (FD) on Router A; the advertised distance (AD) sent to Router B remains unchanged.
The offset-list in EIGRP affects the composite metric (FD) of the route on the router where it is applied. However, the advertised distance (AD) sent to neighbors is not modified. Router B still sees the original AD from Router A and compares it with metrics from other neighbors.
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.
- ✗
The offset-list modifies the advertised distance (AD) sent to neighbors, but Router B ignores it.
Why it's wrong here
Offset-list only changes the feasible distance (FD), not the AD.
- ✓
The offset-list only affects the feasible distance (FD) on Router A; the advertised distance (AD) sent to Router B remains unchanged.
Why this is correct
Router B uses the AD from Router A for its feasibility condition and metric comparison; the offset-list does not alter the AD.
Clue confirmation
The clue words "best", "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
- ✗
The offset-list is applied to the wrong interface; it must be applied to the outgoing interface towards Router B.
Why it's wrong here
Offset-list can be applied in or out, but it still only affects FD on the router where it is applied.
- ✗
EIGRP named mode does not support offset-list; only classic mode supports it.
Why it's wrong here
Named mode supports offset-list with the `offset-list` command under the address-family.
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
Named mode supports offset-list with the `offset-list` command under the address-family.
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: The offset-list only affects the feasible distance (FD) on Router A; the advertised distance (AD) sent to Router B remains unchanged. — The offset-list in EIGRP affects the composite metric (FD) of the route on the router where it is applied. However, the advertised distance (AD) sent to neighbors is not modified. Router B still sees the original AD from Router A and compares it with metrics from other neighbors.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best", "most likely". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
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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