The answer is that the route is an OSPF intra-area route with administrative distance 110, which is the default for OSPF. This is correct because the `show ip route` output explicitly states "Known via 'ospf 1', distance 110" and "type intra area," confirming that the router is using the default administrative distance for OSPF routes. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this question tests your ability to read routing table output and understand that OSPF’s default AD of 110 applies to all intra-area, inter-area, and external routes unless manually changed. A common trap is confusing administrative distance with metric—here, the metric is 20, but the AD remains 110, and the two values serve different purposes in route selection. Remember the memory tip: "OSPF’s AD is always 110, whether the route is intra, inter, or NSSA."
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# show ip route 172.16.0.0 255.255.0.0
Routing entry for 172.16.0.0/16
Known via "ospf 1", distance 110, metric 20, type intra area
Last update from 10.1.1.2 on GigabitEthernet0/0, 00:00:05 ago
Routing Descriptor Blocks:
* 10.1.1.2, from 2.2.2.2, 00:00:05 ago, via GigabitEthernet0/0
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The route is an OSPF intra-area route with administrative distance 110, which is the default for OSPF.
The output shows an OSPF intra-area route with administrative distance 110, which is the default for OSPF. The metric is 20, and the route is learned from neighbor 2.2.2.2.
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 route is an OSPF intra-area route with administrative distance 110, which is the default for OSPF.
The route is preferred over an EIGRP route with AD 90.
Why it's wrong here
EIGRP internal AD 90 is lower than OSPF's 110, so OSPF would not be preferred.
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 output says 'type intra area', not external.
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 route is an OSPF intra-area route with administrative distance 110, which is the default for OSPF. — The output shows an OSPF intra-area route with administrative distance 110, which is the default for OSPF. The metric is 20, and the route is learned from neighbor 2.2.2.2.
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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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. What is the default administrative distance for OSPF routes on a Cisco IOS-XE router?
easy
A.90
B.100
✓ C.110
D.120
Why C: The default administrative distance for OSPF is 110.
Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
Question Discussion
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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.
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