Question 589 of 2,152
Network Logging and SysloghardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped

Quick Answer

The answer is that EIGRP always selects the successor based on the lowest feasible distance, so the path with the higher FD cannot be the successor. The root cause of the confusion in this scenario is that the lower FD path (128256) is indeed the installed successor, as confirmed by the show ip route output; the question’s premise that R1 is using the higher FD path is incorrect based on the provided topology table. This tests your understanding of the EIGRP Diffusing Update Algorithm (DUAL) and successor selection logic, a core topic for the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam where candidates must interpret show ip eigrp topology output to identify the feasible successor and avoid misreading composite metrics. A common trap is assuming the higher FD path is active when it is merely a feasible successor, not the successor. Remember: the successor always has the lowest FD, and the route table reflects only that path.

300-410 Network Logging and Syslog Practice Question

This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of network logging and syslog. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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.

EIGRP network with routers R1, R2, R3. R1 has:

router eigrp 100
 network 10.0.0.0

R2 has:

router eigrp 100
 network 10.0.0.0

R3 has:

router eigrp 100
 network 10.0.0.0

R1 shows:

R1# show ip eigrp topology 10.1.1.0/24

EIGRP-IPv4 Topology Entry for 10.1.1.0/24 State is Passive, Query origin flag is 1, 1 Successor(s), FD is 128256 Routing Descriptor Blocks:

10.2.1.2 (Serial0/0/0), from 10.2.1.2, Send flag is 0x0

Composite metric is (128256/156160), Route is Internal

10.3.1.3 (Serial0/0/1), from 10.3.1.3, Send flag is 0x0

Composite metric is (156160/128256), Route is Internal

R1# show ip route 10.1.1.0

Routing entry for 10.1.1.0/24 Known via "eigrp 100", distance 90, metric 128256 Last update from 10.2.1.2 on Serial0/0/0 R1 is using the path with higher feasible distance as successor. What is the root cause?

Question 1hardmultiple choice
Study the full EIGRP explanation →

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 path with higher FD is not feasible; EIGRP always selects the lowest FD.

EIGRP selects the successor based on the lowest feasible distance (FD). The output shows two paths: one with FD 128256 and another with FD 156160. The path with FD 128256 is the successor, but the show ip route shows the metric as 128256, which is correct. However, the question states R1 is using the higher FD path, which is not the case in the output. The root cause might be a configuration error where the lower FD path is not feasible (e.g., via a route-map or offset-list). But the output indicates the lower FD path is installed. This scenario is tricky: the question might have a misprint, but the intended answer is that EIGRP always picks the lowest FD, so the higher FD path is not used. The correct answer is that the higher FD path is not the successor.

Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.

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 path with higher FD is not feasible; EIGRP always selects the lowest FD.

    Why this is correct

    EIGRP selects the successor based on the lowest FD. The path with FD 156160 is not the successor.

    Related concept

    Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.

  • An offset-list is applied to the lower FD path, increasing its metric.

    Why it's wrong here

    No offset-list is mentioned in the configuration.

  • The route is in active state, causing EIGRP to use a backup path.

    Why it's wrong here

    The state is Passive, not Active.

  • R1 has a distribute-list blocking the lower FD path.

    Why it's wrong here

    No distribute-list is shown.

Common exam traps

Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic

NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.

Trap categories for this question

  • Command / output trap

    No distribute-list is shown.

Detailed technical explanation

How to think about this question

NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.

KKey Concepts to Remember

  • Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
  • PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
  • Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
  • NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.

TExam Day Tips

  • Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
  • Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
  • Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.

Key takeaway

NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.

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.

What to study next

Got this wrong? Here's your next step.

Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 300-410 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.

Related practice questions

Related 300-410 practice-question pages

Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.

Practice this exam

Start a free 300-410 practice session

Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.

FAQ

Questions learners often ask

What does this 300-410 question test?

Network Logging and Syslog — This question tests Network Logging and Syslog — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..

What is the correct answer to this question?

The correct answer is: The path with higher FD is not feasible; EIGRP always selects the lowest FD. — EIGRP selects the successor based on the lowest feasible distance (FD). The output shows two paths: one with FD 128256 and another with FD 156160. The path with FD 128256 is the successor, but the show ip route shows the metric as 128256, which is correct. However, the question states R1 is using the higher FD path, which is not the case in the output. The root cause might be a configuration error where the lower FD path is not feasible (e.g., via a route-map or offset-list). But the output indicates the lower FD path is installed. This scenario is tricky: the question might have a misprint, but the intended answer is that EIGRP always picks the lowest FD, so the higher FD path is not used. The correct answer is that the higher FD path is not the successor.

What should I do if I get this 300-410 question wrong?

Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 300-410 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.

What is the key concept behind this question?

Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.

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 →

How Courseiva writes practice questions · Editorial policy

Keep practising

More 300-410 practice questions

Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026

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.

Loading comments…

Sign in to join the discussion.

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.