Quick Answer
The answer is reliability. EIGRP’s default metric components include bandwidth, delay, reliability, load, and MTU, but by default only bandwidth and delay are active because their K values (K1 and K3) are set to 1, while the K values for reliability (K2) and load (K5) are set to 0, effectively disabling them. This design simplifies the metric calculation for most networks, as bandwidth and delay are stable, predictable values, whereas reliability and load fluctuate dynamically and could cause route flapping if included. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this concept often appears in questions about EIGRP metric tuning or troubleshooting suboptimal paths, with a common trap being that candidates assume all five components are active by default. A reliable memory tip is to remember the default K‑value sequence as 1‑0‑1‑0‑0, which corresponds to bandwidth, reliability, delay, load, and MTU—only the first and third positions are enabled.
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of device management. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
Which EIGRP metric component is disabled by default?
Bandwidth
Why wrong: Bandwidth is enabled by default (K1=1).
Delay
Why wrong: Delay is enabled by default (K3=1).
Reliability
Reliability is disabled by default (K2=0).
MTU
Why wrong: MTU is not used in the metric calculation; it is only used for feasibility checks. The K values for MTU are always 0.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Reliability
EIGRP uses a composite metric based on bandwidth, delay, reliability, load, and MTU. By default, only bandwidth and delay are used; reliability and load are disabled (their K values are set to 0).
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Bandwidth
Why it's wrong here
Bandwidth is enabled by default (K1=1).
Delay
Why it's wrong here
Delay is enabled by default (K3=1).
Reliability
Why this is correct
Reliability is disabled by default (K2=0).
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
MTU
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the 300-410 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Identify which 300-410 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
Device Management — This question tests Device Management — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Reliability — EIGRP uses a composite metric based on bandwidth, delay, reliability, load, and MTU. By default, only bandwidth and delay are used; reliability and load are disabled (their K values are set to 0).
Identify which 300-410 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Same concept, more angles
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 EIGRP composite metric formula used for route calculation?
mediumWhy B: The default EIGRP metric formula uses bandwidth and delay only: metric = (K1 * bandwidth) + (K3 * delay). By default, K1=1, K3=1, and K2, K4, K5 are set to 0, so load and reliability are ignored.
Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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