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300-410 Practice Question: The default OSPF metric for a route redistributed…
What is the default OSPF metric for a route redistributed from another routing protocol into OSPF?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between the default OSPF metric for redistributed routes (20) and the default metric for BGP redistributed routes (1), causing candidates to mistakenly choose 1 for all protocols.
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
✓
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.
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 OSPF metric for redistributed routes (except BGP) is 20.
- ✗
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.
Visual reference
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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JA
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.