Quick Answer
The answer is 110. This is the default administrative distance for OSPF routes in Cisco IOS, a value used by the router to determine route preference when comparing paths learned from different routing protocols. A lower administrative distance indicates a more trustworthy source, so OSPF’s 110 sits between internal EIGRP (90) and IS-IS (115), making it the default choice over RIP (120) but less preferred than a directly connected interface (0) or a static route (1). On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this is a foundational concept often tested in redistribution scenarios where administrative distance influences which route is installed in the routing table. A common trap is confusing OSPF’s default with that of EIGRP or forgetting that the value applies only to intra-area and inter-area routes, not to external OSPF routes (which default to 110 as well but can be modified). For a quick memory tip, think “OSPF is 110—like an emergency number, but for routing trust.”
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of device management. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
What is the default administrative distance for OSPF routes in Cisco IOS?
90
Why wrong: 90 is the default administrative distance for EIGRP internal routes.
100
Why wrong: 100 is not a standard administrative distance for any major routing protocol.
110
Correct: OSPF routes have a default administrative distance of 110.
120
Why wrong: 120 is the default administrative distance for RIP.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
110
The default administrative distance for OSPF is 110. This is a Cisco IOS default value used when comparing routes from different routing protocols.
Key principle: OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
90
Why it's wrong here
90 is the default administrative distance for EIGRP internal routes.
100
Why it's wrong here
100 is not a standard administrative distance for any major routing protocol.
110
Why this is correct
Correct: OSPF routes have a default administrative distance of 110.
Related concept
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
120
Why it's wrong here
120 is the default administrative distance for RIP.
Common exam traps
OSPF neighbour formation depends on matching areas, timers, network type, authentication and passive-interface behaviour. Do not choose an answer only because the devices can ping.
Detailed technical explanation
OSPF questions usually test the details that control adjacency and route selection. Read the neighbour state, area, router ID and interface configuration before deciding what is wrong.
Key takeaway
OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Real-world example
A network engineer at a university connects two campus buildings via a fibre link. Both routers run OSPF, but no adjacency forms — even though both routers can ping each other. The engineer finds one router is in area 0 and the other in area 1. OSPF adjacency requires matching area numbers, hello/dead timers, and network type. IP reachability alone is not enough.
What to study next
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related 300-410 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
Device Management — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Device Management — This question tests Device Management — OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters..
The correct answer is: 110 — The default administrative distance for OSPF is 110. This is a Cisco IOS default value used when comparing routes from different routing protocols.
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related 300-410 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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.
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