Quick Answer
The answer is 120. This default administrative distance of 120 is assigned to routes learned via the Routing Information Protocol (RIP) because RIP is a distance-vector protocol with a relatively simple metric (hop count) and slower convergence, making it less trustworthy than more robust protocols like OSPF (AD 110) or EIGRP (AD 90). On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this concept often appears in redistribution scenarios or route-selection questions where you must determine which path a router will prefer when multiple routing protocols are running. A common trap is confusing RIP’s AD of 120 with the AD of external EIGRP (170) or IBGP (200), so always verify the protocol type. For a quick memory tip, think of the number 120 as “one hop too many for RIP to be trusted over OSPF”—since RIP’s max hop count is 15, its AD of 120 reinforces that it’s a fallback protocol.
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of administrative distance. 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 a route learned via the Routing Information Protocol (RIP)?
100
Why wrong: 100 is not a default AD for any standard routing protocol.
110
Why wrong: 110 is the default AD for OSPF.
120
120 is the correct default AD for RIP routes.
130
Why wrong: 130 is not a default AD for any standard routing protocol.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
120
RIP routes have a default administrative distance of 120.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the 300-410 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Identify which 300-410 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
Administrative Distance — This question tests Administrative Distance — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: 120 — RIP routes have a default administrative distance of 120.
Identify which 300-410 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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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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