hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
300-410 Practice Question: An engineer configures EIGRP named mode on a…
An engineer configures EIGRP named mode on a router. After making a change to the metric weights, the router becomes stuck-in-active (SIA) for a route. Why does this happen in named mode but not in classic mode?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the subtle difference that named mode EIGRP requires an explicit 'clear ip eigrp neighbors' after changing metric weights, while classic mode handles it automatically, leading candidates to assume both modes behave identically.
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
✓
Named mode EIGRP requires a 'metric weights' change to be followed by a 'clear ip eigrp neighbors' command; otherwise, the router sends incorrect queries.
In named mode EIGRP, changing metric weights (k-values) does not automatically trigger a neighbor reset. Without a 'clear ip eigrp neighbors' command, the router continues to use the old k-values for existing neighbors while sending queries with the new k-values, causing a mismatch that leads to stuck-in-active (SIA) routes. Classic mode EIGRP automatically resets neighbors when metric weights change, avoiding this issue.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Named mode EIGRP uses a different metric calculation algorithm that is more sensitive to weight changes.
Why it's wrong here
The metric calculation is the same; the issue is with how the change is applied.
- ✓
Named mode EIGRP requires a 'metric weights' change to be followed by a 'clear ip eigrp neighbors' command; otherwise, the router sends incorrect queries.
Why this is correct
In named mode, changing k-values without resetting neighbors causes the router to use the new metric for new queries but the old metric for existing routes, leading to inconsistencies and SIA.
- ✗
Named mode EIGRP does not support changing k-values on the fly; it must be done during maintenance.
Why it's wrong here
It does support it, but the change must be propagated correctly to avoid SIA.
- ✗
Named mode EIGRP automatically adjusts the metric weights to match neighbors, causing a temporary SIA.
Why it's wrong here
Named mode does not automatically adjust metric weights; it uses the configured values.
Quick reference
Routing Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Metric | Max Hops | Algorithm | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RIP v2 | Hop count | 15 | Bellman-Ford | Distance vector |
| OSPF | Cost (bandwidth) | Unlimited | Dijkstra (SPF) | Link state |
| EIGRP | Composite metric | Unlimited | DUAL | Hybrid |
| IS-IS | Cost | Unlimited | Dijkstra | Link state |
| BGP | Policy / attributes | Unlimited | Path vector | Path vector |
RIP's 15-hop limit makes it unsuitable for large networks. OSPF and EIGRP dominate modern enterprise deployments.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.