300-410 Practice Question: In OSPF, what is the default metric for a Type 3…

In OSPF, what is the default metric for a Type 3 summary LSA generated by an ABR using the 'area range' command?

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

✓

The lowest metric among the summarized routes.

The default metric for a Type 3 summary LSA is the lowest metric among the component routes being summarized.

Answer analysis

For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.

✓
The lowest metric among the summarized routes.
Why this is correct
Correct. OSPF uses the best (lowest) metric from the component routes for the summary LSA.
✗
The highest metric among the summarized routes.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. OSPF uses the lowest metric.
✗
The sum of all metrics.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. OSPF does not sum metrics for summary LSAs.
✗
The metric is set to 1 by default.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. There is no fixed default metric of 1.

Visual reference

Quick reference

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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