Quick Answer
The answer is reliability and load, as these two EIGRP metric components are disabled by default and must be explicitly enabled using the 'metric weights' command. By default, EIGRP calculates its composite metric using only bandwidth and delay, with the K-values for reliability (K2) and load (K3) set to zero, effectively excluding them from the path selection process. To incorporate these components, you must adjust the K-values via the 'metric weights' command, which modifies the metric formula to include load and reliability. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this concept tests your understanding of EIGRP metric components default behavior and the impact of K-values on route selection. A common trap is assuming all five metrics are active by default, but only bandwidth and delay are used; reliability and load remain dormant until explicitly enabled. A helpful memory tip: think of the default EIGRP metric as "B and D only"—Bandwidth and Delay—while Reliability and Load are "R and L on the shelf" until you call them into action with 'metric weights'.
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of device access control. 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.
In EIGRP, which metric component is disabled by default and must be explicitly enabled using the 'metric weights' command?
Reliability and load
K4 (reliability) and K5 (load) are set to 0 by default, disabling them.
Bandwidth and delay
Why wrong: Bandwidth (K1) and delay (K3) are enabled by default.
MTU
Why wrong: MTU is not a metric component; it is used for path MTU discovery but not in the metric formula.
Hop count
Why wrong: Hop count is not a metric component in EIGRP; it is used as a limit (maximum hops).
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 and load
In EIGRP, the composite metric is calculated by default using bandwidth and delay. Reliability and load are included in the metric formula but are disabled by default (their K-values are set to 0). To enable them, you must use the 'metric weights' command to adjust the K-values (e.g., K2 for load and K3 for reliability).
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.
Reliability and load
Why this is correct
K4 (reliability) and K5 (load) are set to 0 by default, disabling them.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Bandwidth and delay
Why it's wrong here
Bandwidth (K1) and delay (K3) are enabled by default.
MTU
Hop count
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the misconception that all five K-values are active by default, when in fact only bandwidth and delay are used, and reliability and load require explicit configuration.
Detailed technical explanation
EIGRP uses the formula: metric = [K1 * bandwidth + (K2 * bandwidth) / (256 - load) + K3 * delay] * [K5 / (reliability + K4)], where K1 and K3 default to 1, and K2, K4, K5 default to 0. Enabling reliability and load via 'metric weights' can cause route flapping in unstable networks, as these values fluctuate dynamically, making them unsuitable for default use.
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
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FAQ
Device Access Control — This question tests Device Access Control — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Reliability and load — In EIGRP, the composite metric is calculated by default using bandwidth and delay. Reliability and load are included in the metric formula but are disabled by default (their K-values are set to 0). To enable them, you must use the 'metric weights' command to adjust the K-values (e.g., K2 for load and K3 for reliability).
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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