mediumMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
300-410 Practice Question: Runs the following command to troubleshoot an…
A network engineer runs the following command to troubleshoot an EIGRP issue:
R1# debug eigrp packets update *Mar 1 00:10:15.456: EIGRP: received packet with opcode = 2 (Update) on GigabitEthernet0/0, src 10.1.2.2 dst 10.1.2.1 *Mar 1 00:10:15.456: EIGRP: Update contains 5 routes, version 145, seq 10 *Mar 1 00:10:15.456: EIGRP: Update update/interval, 10.1.1.0/24 metric 131072 *Mar 1 00:10:15.456: EIGRP: Update update/interval, 10.2.2.0/24 metric 131072 *Mar 1 00:10:15.456: EIGRP: Update update/interval, 10.3.3.0/24 metric 131072 *Mar 1 00:10:15.456: EIGRP: Update update/interval, 10.4.4.0/24 metric 131072 *Mar 1 00:10:15.456: EIGRP: Update update/interval, 10.5.5.0/24 metric 131072
What does this output indicate?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between 'update/interval' (periodic), 'update/triggered' (partial), and 'update/full' (full) in EIGRP debug output, and the trap here is that candidates assume any update with multiple routes must be a triggered or full update, overlooking the 'update/interval' keyword that clearly identifies it as a periodic update.
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
✓
The neighbor is sending a periodic update with five routes, which is normal EIGRP behavior.
EIGRP sends periodic updates every 90 seconds by default (via the 'ip hello-interval eigrp' and related timers), and the debug output shows a received update with five routes, all having the same metric of 131072, which is typical for a periodic update that refreshes the routing table without indicating a topology change. The 'update/interval' keyword in the debug output explicitly indicates this is a periodic update, not a triggered or full update.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The neighbor is sending a partial update with five routes, which is typical for a triggered update after a topology change.
Why it's wrong here
The update contains multiple routes, but the label 'update/interval' suggests it is a periodic update, not a triggered one.
- ✗
The neighbor is sending a full update, which occurs during initial neighbor formation or after a major change.
Why it's wrong here
A full update would contain all routes, but the debug does not indicate it is a full update; 'update/interval' suggests periodic.
- ✓
The neighbor is sending a periodic update with five routes, which is normal EIGRP behavior.
Why this is correct
EIGRP sends periodic updates (every 90 seconds by default) to maintain neighbor state, and this debug shows such an update.
- ✗
The neighbor is sending an update with incorrect metrics, causing routing issues.
Why it's wrong here
The metrics appear consistent and there is no indication of error.
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.