The answer is 20. This is the default OSPF metric, known as the seed metric, assigned to routes redistributed from another routing protocol into OSPF, as specified in RFC 2328. When no explicit metric is configured with the redistribute command, OSPF automatically applies a value of 20 for most external routes, which are injected as Type 2 (E2) by default. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this concept tests your understanding of route redistribution behavior, often appearing in scenario-based questions where a candidate must identify the metric assigned to redistributed routes without manual configuration. A common trap is forgetting that BGP redistributed routes default to a metric of 1, not 20, so always check the source protocol. For a quick memory tip, think of the default OSPF metric as the “20/20 vision” rule: 20 for non-BGP, 1 for BGP.
300-410 Device Access Control Practice Question
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of device access control. 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.
What is the default OSPF metric for a route redistributed from another routing protocol into OSPF?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
20
When a route is redistributed from another routing protocol into OSPF, the default metric is 20 for routes that are not BGP. This is defined in RFC 2328 and is the seed metric used when no explicit metric is configured with the redistribute command. The value 20 applies to most external routes (Type 2 by default), while BGP redistributed routes default to 1.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
0
Why it's wrong here
A metric of 0 is not a default; OSPF requires a positive metric for redistributed routes.
✗
1
Why it's wrong here
1 is the default metric for BGP routes redistributed into OSPF, but not for other protocols.
✓
20
Why this is correct
Correct. The default OSPFmetric for redistributed routes (except BGP) is 20.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
10
Why it's wrong here
10 is the default cost for a reference bandwidth of 100 Mbps on a FastEthernet interface, not the default redistribution metric.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between the default OSPFmetric for redistributed routes (20) and the default metric for BGP redistributed routes (1), causing candidates to mistakenly choose 1 for all protocols.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The default metric of 20 applies to OSPF external Type 2 (E2) routes, which do not add the internal cost to reach the ASBR. If you want the metric to include the internal path cost, you must configure the redistribute command with the metric-type 1 keyword. In real-world scenarios, forgetting to set an explicit metric can lead to suboptimal routing if multiple redistribution points exist, as the default 20 may not reflect the actual path distance.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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.
Device Access Control — This question tests Device Access Control — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: 20 — When a route is redistributed from another routing protocol into OSPF, the default metric is 20 for routes that are not BGP. This is defined in RFC 2328 and is the seed metric used when no explicit metric is configured with the redistribute command. The value 20 applies to most external routes (Type 2 by default), while BGP redistributed routes default to 1.
What should I do if I get this 300-410 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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