mediumMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
Understanding show ip eigrp interfaces detail and Split Horizon
A network engineer runs the following command on Router R1:
R1# show ip eigrp interfaces detail Gi0/0
EIGRP-IPv4 Interfaces for AS(100)
Interface: GigabitEthernet0/0
Peers: 1 Xmit Queue Un/Reliable: 0/0 Mean SRTT: 12 Pacing Time Un/Reliable: 0/10 Multicast Flow Timer: 50 Pending Routes: 0 Hello interval: 5 Hold time: 15 Split horizon: Enabled Next multicast: 0.0.0.0 Next broadcast: 0.0.0.0
Based on this output, what is the problem?
Quick Answer
The answer is that there is no problem; split horizon is enabled, which is a normal and expected configuration. This is correct because split horizon is a fundamental loop prevention mechanism in EIGRP that prevents a route learned on an interface from being advertised back out that same interface, thereby avoiding routing loops. In the context of the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this command tests your ability to interpret the show ip eigrp interfaces detail output and recognize that split horizon being enabled is the default and desirable state, not a misconfiguration. A common trap is assuming that split horizon must be disabled for certain hub-and-spoke topologies, but the exam expects you to know it remains enabled unless explicitly changed for specific designs like DMVPN. Memory tip: think of split horizon as a "one-way mirror" — it reflects routes in, but never lets them go back out the same door.
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is that candidates may mistakenly think split horizon is a problem or misconfiguration, when in fact it is a standard loop-prevention mechanism, and Cisco often tests this by showing a normal default value and asking if it indicates an issue.
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
✓
Split horizon is enabled, which is a normal and expected configuration.
Split horizon is a default and expected behavior in EIGRP for most interface types, including GigabitEthernet. The output shows 'Split horizon: Enabled', which is normal and prevents routing loops by ensuring that routing information learned on an interface is not advertised back out of that same interface. There is no problem indicated by this setting.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Split horizon is enabled, which is a normal and expected configuration.
Why this is correct
Split horizon is enabled by default on EIGRP interfaces and helps prevent routing loops.
- ✗
Split horizon is disabled, which could cause routing loops.
Why it's wrong here
The output shows 'Split horizon: Enabled', not disabled.
- ✗
The hold time of 15 seconds is too short and may cause instability.
Why it's wrong here
15 seconds is the default hold time for EIGRP on LAN interfaces.
- ✗
The interface has no peers, indicating a problem.
Why it's wrong here
The output shows 'Peers: 1', so there is one peer.
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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Same concept, more angles
1 more way this is tested on 300-410
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. A network engineer runs the following command on Router R1: R1# show ip eigrp interfaces EIGRP-IPv4 Interfaces for AS(100) Xmit Queue Mean Pacing Time Multicast Pending Interface Peers Un/Reliable SRTT Un/Reliable Flow Timer Routes Gi0/0 1 0/0 12 0/10 50 0 Gi0/1 1 0/0 15 0/10 50 0 Gi0/2 1 0/0 18 0/10 50 0 Gi0/3 1 0/0 20 0/10 50 0 Gi0/4 0 0/0 0 0/10 50 0 Based on this output, which statement is correct?
medium- ✓ A.Interface Gi0/4 has no EIGRP neighbor, which may indicate a configuration issue or lack of connectivity.
- B.All interfaces have at least one EIGRP neighbor.
- C.The mean SRTT on Gi0/2 is 18 ms, which is too high and indicates a problem.
- D.The pending routes count of 0 on all interfaces indicates a routing loop.
Why A: The output shows that interface Gi0/4 has 0 peers, while all other interfaces have 1 peer. In EIGRP, a peer count of 0 indicates that no neighbor adjacency has been formed on that interface. This could be due to a configuration mismatch (e.g., different AS numbers, passive interface, or authentication) or a Layer 1/2 connectivity issue. Therefore, option A is correct.
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.