The correct interpretation is that the router is receiving an EIGRP update for network 192.168.5.0/24 with a composite metric of 30720/28160, as shown in the debug output. This is because the debug eigrp packets command reveals the actual EIGRP packet exchange, including the update type, neighbor IP, and the reported distance (30720) and feasible distance (28160) for the route, but it does not display administrative distance values. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between metric and administrative distance in troubleshooting scenarios—a common trap is confusing the metric values in the debug output with AD, when AD is actually a separate, static value shown in the routing table. Remember the memory tip: “Metric is the cost, AD is the trust”—debug shows the cost, not the trust.
300-410 Administrative Distance Practice Question
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of administrative distance. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
A network engineer runs the following command to troubleshoot an Administrative Distance issue:
R1# debug eigrp packets
EIGRP Packets debugging is on
(UPDATE, REQUEST, QUERY, REPLY, HELLO, IPXSAP, PROBE, ACK, STUB, SIAQUERY, SIAREPLY)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The router is receiving an EIGRP update for network 192.168.5.0/24 with a composite metric of 30720/28160.
The debug output shows EIGRP packet exchanges. It does not directly show administrative distance, but it indicates that an update is being sent and received for a specific network.
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 router is receiving an EIGRP update for network 192.168.5.0/24 with a composite metric of 30720/28160.
The administrative distance for this route is 90 because it is internal.
Why it's wrong here
The debug does not show AD; internal EIGRP routes have AD 90, but this is not confirmed.
✗
The router is sending a query for network 192.168.5.0/24.
Why it's wrong here
It is sending an UPDATE, not a query.
✗
The EIGRP neighbor relationship is down.
Why it's wrong here
The neighbor is communicating, so the relationship is up.
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
The debug does not show AD; internal EIGRP routes have AD 90, but this is not confirmed.
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 300-410 question in full detail.
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.
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 router is receiving an EIGRP update for network 192.168.5.0/24 with a composite metric of 30720/28160. — The debug output shows EIGRP packet exchanges. It does not directly show administrative distance, but it indicates that an update is being sent and received for a specific network.
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
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
This 300-410 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 300-410 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.