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300-410 Practice Question: Which loop prevention mechanism is used by…
Which loop prevention mechanism is used by default when redistributing between two OSPF processes?
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
✓
Route tagging with default tag 0
When redistributing between OSPF processes, Cisco IOS uses route tagging (tag field in the OSPF external LSA) to prevent loops, but the default tag value is 0 unless explicitly set.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Split horizon
Why it's wrong here
Split horizon is a RIP and EIGRP mechanism, not used in OSPF redistribution.
- ✓
Route tagging with default tag 0
Why this is correct
Route tagging allows an OSPF process to identify and filter routes it originated, preventing loops; the default tag is 0.
- ✗
Poison reverse
Why it's wrong here
Poison reverse is used in distance vector protocols like RIP, not OSPF.
- ✗
Hold-down timers
Why it's wrong here
Hold-down timers are used in RIP and EIGRP, not in OSPF redistribution.
Visual reference
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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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.