The answer is that the output indicates two equal-cost paths to 10.10.10.0/24, and EIGRP will load balance across them. This is correct because both routes show an identical Feasible Distance (FD) of 1310720, which is the metric used by EIGRP to select the best path; when multiple routes share the same FD, they are considered equal-cost, and EIGRP installs up to four such routes by default for per-destination load balancing. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this concept tests your ability to interpret the topology table’s “successors” field and FD values, often appearing in troubleshooting scenarios where a single successor is expected but multiple equal-cost paths are present—a common trap is confusing the “via” entries for feasible successors when they actually have identical metrics. Remember the memory tip: “Same FD, load balance for me”—if the FD numbers match, EIGRP splits traffic across those links.
300-410 Device Access Control Practice Question
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of device access control. 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 a Device Access Control issue:
R1# show ip eigrp topology 10.10.10.0/24 all-links
P 10.10.10.0/24, 1 successors, FD is 1310720
via 10.1.1.2 (1310720/1310720), GigabitEthernet0/0
via 10.1.2.2 (1310720/1310720), GigabitEthernet0/1
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
There are two equal-cost paths to 10.10.10.0/24, and EIGRP will load balance across them.
The output shows two EIGRP routes to 10.10.10.0/24 with identical Feasible Distances (FD) of 1310720, indicating equal-cost paths. EIGRP installs up to four equal-cost routes by default and performs per-destination load balancing across them, so both paths are active and used.
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.
✓
There are two equal-cost paths to 10.10.10.0/24, and EIGRP will load balance across them.
Why this is correct
Both paths have the same FD and RD, making them equal-cost successors; EIGRP will install both and load balance.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Only the first path via 10.1.1.2 is installed because the second path has a higher FD.
Why it's wrong here
Both paths have identical FD values, so both are considered equal-cost successors.
✗
The path via 10.1.2.2 is a feasible successor but is not used because it has a higher RD.
Why it's wrong here
The RD is identical to the FD, so it is a successor, not just a feasible successor.
✗
The router has no route to 10.10.10.0/24 because the FD is the same as the RD.
Why it's wrong here
The route is present (indicated by 'P'), and the FD/RD equality indicates a valid path.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between equal-cost paths (same FD) and feasible successors (RD < FD), leading candidates to mistakenly label an equal-cost path as a feasible successor or assume only the first path is used.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
EIGRP uses the Diffusing Update Algorithm (DUAL) to determine loop-free paths. The Feasible Distance (FD) is the total metric to the destination, while the Reported Distance (RD) is the metric advertised by the neighbor. When multiple paths have identical FDs, EIGRP treats them as equal-cost and installs them in the routing table, enabling per-destination load balancing (CEF switching). The 'all-links' keyword in the show command reveals all known paths, including those not in the topology table by default.
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 small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
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: There are two equal-cost paths to 10.10.10.0/24, and EIGRP will load balance across them. — The output shows two EIGRP routes to 10.10.10.0/24 with identical Feasible Distances (FD) of 1310720, indicating equal-cost paths. EIGRP installs up to four equal-cost routes by default and performs per-destination load balancing across them, so both paths are active and used.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.