hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
300-410 Practice Question: An engineer configures EIGRP named mode on a…
An engineer configures EIGRP named mode on a router and uses an offset-list to increase the feasible distance (FD) of a specific route. Unexpectedly, the route is still installed in the routing table with the original metric. Which is the most likely explanation?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between inbound and outbound offset-lists, trapping candidates who assume offset-lists always affect the local router's metric without considering the direction keyword.
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 offset-list was applied to outbound updates instead of inbound, so it affected the FD on the neighbor, not the local router.
In EIGRP named mode, an offset-list applied to outbound updates modifies the metric on the route as advertised to neighbors, not the local router's feasible distance (FD). Since the local router's FD remains unchanged, the route is still installed with its original metric. To increase the FD locally, the offset-list must be applied to inbound updates.
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 offset-list was applied to outbound updates instead of inbound, so it affected the FD on the neighbor, not the local router.
Why this is correct
Correct. Offset-list direction matters; outbound affects neighbor's FD.
- ✗
The offset-list value was too large, causing the route to be suppressed.
Why it's wrong here
Large offset would increase metric, not keep original.
- ✗
The offset-list was applied to the wrong interface.
Why it's wrong here
Wrong interface would not affect the route at all.
- ✗
The route is a connected route, and offset-lists do not affect connected routes.
Why it's wrong here
Offset-lists can affect redistributed connected routes.
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
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