The answer is a unidirectional link preventing the EIGRP neighbor from replying to the query. When OSPF routes are redistributed into EIGRP with a valid seed metric, the routes appear in the topology table, but if a query is sent and no reply is received, the route enters the active state and remains stuck-in-active. This scenario tests your understanding of the EIGRP query process and the stuck-in-active redistribution problem, a common trap on the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam where candidates mistakenly focus on missing seed metrics—but here the metric is valid, and the issue is a failed query-reply cycle due to a unidirectional link. Remember: active state means a query is pending, not a metric problem; if the route is in the topology table but not installed, check neighbor reachability first. Memory tip: “Active means ask, not metric mask.”
300-410 Route Redistribution Practice Question
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of route redistribution. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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.
An engineer redistributes OSPF routes into EIGRP. The OSPF routes have a metric of 20. After redistribution, the EIGRP topology table shows the routes but they are not installed in the routing table. The 'show ip eigrp topology' shows the route in active state. Which is the most likely explanation?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The EIGRP neighbor is stuck-in-active because a query was sent but no reply was received due to a unidirectional link.
When redistributing into EIGRP, a seed metric must be specified. If not, the routes are redistributed with an infinite metric (e.g., 4294967295) and are not installed. However, the question says the route is in active state, which indicates a query is pending. This is an edge case where the route is redistributed with a valid metric but the EIGRP process is stuck-in-active due to a unidirectional link or a neighbor not replying to queries.
Key principle: OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
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 'default-metric' command was not configured, so the routes are redistributed with an infinite metric.
Why it's wrong here
Infinite metric would show the route in passive state but not installed.
✓
The EIGRP neighbor is stuck-in-active because a query was sent but no reply was received due to a unidirectional link.
Why this is correct
Active state indicates a query is outstanding, often due to a unidirectional link.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
The OSPF routes are external type 2, which are not redistributed by default.
Why it's wrong here
OSPF external routes are redistributed by default.
✗
The 'route-map' used for redistribution has a 'match ip address' that does not match the OSPF routes.
Why it's wrong here
If route-map denies, the route would not appear in topology table.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: OSPF can fail even when IP connectivity looks correct
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Infinite metric would show the route in passive state but not installed.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
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.
KKey Concepts to Remember
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
Router ID selection can affect neighbour relationships and LSDB output.
OSPF cost influences the preferred path.
A route can appear in OSPF information but not become the installed route.
TExam Day Tips
→Check area mismatch first when OSPF adjacency fails.
→Review passive interfaces when a network is advertised but no neighbour forms.
→Use show ip ospf neighbor and show ip route clues carefully.
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
How this comes up in practice
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 300-410 question in full detail.
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.
Route Redistribution — This question tests Route Redistribution — OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The EIGRP neighbor is stuck-in-active because a query was sent but no reply was received due to a unidirectional link. — When redistributing into EIGRP, a seed metric must be specified. If not, the routes are redistributed with an infinite metric (e.g., 4294967295) and are not installed. However, the question says the route is in active state, which indicates a query is pending. This is an edge case where the route is redistributed with a valid metric but the EIGRP process is stuck-in-active due to a unidirectional link or a neighbor not replying to queries.
What should I do if I get this 300-410 question wrong?
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
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