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300-410 Practice Question: Is the correct formula for EIGRP composite metric…
Which of the following is the correct formula for EIGRP composite metric calculation using default K values?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the misconception that EIGRP uses a product of bandwidth and delay (like OSPF cost) or that reliability and load are included by default, when in fact they are only considered if non-default K values are configured.
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
✓
metric = bandwidth + delay
With default K values (K1=1, K2=0, K3=1, K4=0, K5=0), the EIGRP composite metric simplifies to metric = bandwidth + delay, where bandwidth is calculated as (10^7 / minimum path bandwidth in kbps) * 256 and delay is the sum of interface delays in tens of microseconds multiplied by 256. This formula is used to select the best loop-free path to a destination.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
metric = bandwidth + delay
Why this is correct
Correct. Default K values make the metric simply bandwidth (scaled) plus delay (scaled).
- ✗
metric = bandwidth * delay
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. The metric is additive, not multiplicative.
- ✗
metric = bandwidth + delay + reliability
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Reliability is not used by default (K4=0).
- ✗
metric = bandwidth + delay + load
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Load is not used by default (K2=0).
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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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.