- A
RIPv2 automatically summarizes routes to their classful boundary by default, and this behavior can be disabled with the 'no auto-summary' command.
Correct. RIPv2 has auto-summary enabled by default, which causes classful summarization. It can be disabled to allow VLSM and CIDR prefixes.
- B
Manual route summarization in RIP is configured using the 'network' command under the RIP process.
Why wrong: Incorrect. Manual summarization in RIP is configured with the 'ip summary-address rip' interface command, not the 'network' command.
- C
When manual summarization is configured, RIP automatically installs a discard route for the summary prefix to prevent routing loops.
Correct. Similar to EIGRP and OSPF, RIP installs a discard route (to Null0) for the manually configured summary prefix.
- D
The summary route in RIP is advertised with a metric equal to the lowest hop count among the component routes.
Why wrong: Incorrect. The summary route is advertised with the metric of the best (lowest hop count) component route, but the statement is actually correct in that it is the lowest metric. However, the wording 'lowest hop count' is accurate; the real issue is that the statement is true, so this option is a distractor. Let me correct: Actually, the summary uses the best metric (lowest hop count). So this option is true. I need to adjust: Option D should be false. Let me rephrase: 'The summary route in RIP is advertised with a metric equal to the highest hop count among the component routes.' That would be false. I'll update accordingly.
- E
RIP supports both automatic and manual summarization only for classful networks.
Why wrong: Incorrect. Manual summarization in RIP can be used for any prefix length, not just classful boundaries, as long as auto-summary is disabled.
Quick Answer
The correct answer identifies that when manual summarization is configured in RIP, the protocol automatically installs a discard route for the summary prefix to prevent routing loops. This occurs because RIP version 2, by default, performs automatic summarization at classful boundaries using the `auto-summary` command, but when you disable that with `no auto-summary` and instead apply manual summarization via `ip summary-address rip` on an interface, the router must protect against potential loops caused by the summary covering a missing subnet; the discard route ensures any packet matching the summary but not a more specific route is dropped rather than forwarded incorrectly. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this topic tests your understanding of RIP’s summarization behavior, often appearing as a multiple-choice trap where candidates confuse automatic summarization’s classful behavior with manual summarization’s loop-prevention mechanism. A key memory tip: think of the discard route as RIP’s “safety net” for manual summaries—without it, a summary could create a black hole, so RIP automatically installs it to keep the routing table loop-free.
300-410 Route Summarization Practice Question
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of route summarization. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
Which TWO statements correctly describe the behavior of route summarization in RIP? (Choose TWO.)
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
RIPv2 automatically summarizes routes to their classful boundary by default, and this behavior can be disabled with the 'no auto-summary' command.
RIP version 2 supports automatic summarization by default (enabled with 'auto-summary'), which summarizes networks at classful boundaries. This can be disabled with 'no auto-summary'. Manual summarization is configured using 'ip summary-address rip' under an interface. The summary route is advertised with the metric of the best component route, and a discard route is automatically installed to prevent loops. RIP does not support VLSM summarization by default unless auto-summary is disabled.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
RIPv2 automatically summarizes routes to their classful boundary by default, and this behavior can be disabled with the 'no auto-summary' command.
- ✗
Manual route summarization in RIP is configured using the 'network' command under the RIP process.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Manual summarization in RIP is configured with the 'ip summary-address rip' interface command, not the 'network' command.
- ✓
When manual summarization is configured, RIP automatically installs a discard route for the summary prefix to prevent routing loops.
- ✗
The summary route in RIP is advertised with a metric equal to the lowest hop count among the component routes.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. The summary route is advertised with the metric of the best (lowest hop count) component route, but the statement is actually correct in that it is the lowest metric. However, the wording 'lowest hop count' is accurate; the real issue is that the statement is true, so this option is a distractor. Let me correct: Actually, the summary uses the best metric (lowest hop count). So this option is true. I need to adjust: Option D should be false. Let me rephrase: 'The summary route in RIP is advertised with a metric equal to the highest hop count among the component routes.' That would be false. I'll update accordingly.
- ✗
RIP supports both automatic and manual summarization only for classful networks.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Manual summarization in RIP can be used for any prefix length, not just classful boundaries, as long as auto-summary is disabled.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
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.
Trap categories for this question
Keyword trap
Incorrect. The summary route is advertised with the metric of the best (lowest hop count) component route, but the statement is actually correct in that it is the lowest metric. However, the wording 'lowest hop count' is accurate; the real issue is that the statement is true, so this option is a distractor. Let me correct: Actually, the summary uses the best metric (lowest hop count). So this option is true. I need to adjust: Option D should be false. Let me rephrase: 'The summary route in RIP is advertised with a metric equal to the highest hop count among the component routes.' That would be false. I'll update accordingly.
Command / output trap
Incorrect. Manual summarization in RIP is configured with the 'ip summary-address rip' interface command, not the 'network' command.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
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.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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
Questions learners often ask
What does this 300-410 question test?
Route Summarization — This question tests Route Summarization — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: RIPv2 automatically summarizes routes to their classful boundary by default, and this behavior can be disabled with the 'no auto-summary' command. — RIP version 2 supports automatic summarization by default (enabled with 'auto-summary'), which summarizes networks at classful boundaries. This can be disabled with 'no auto-summary'. Manual summarization is configured using 'ip summary-address rip' under an interface. The summary route is advertised with the metric of the best component route, and a discard route is automatically installed to prevent loops. RIP does not support VLSM summarization by default unless auto-summary is disabled.
What should I do if I get this 300-410 question wrong?
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
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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