mediumMultiple Choice
350-401 Practice Question: Consider the following EIGRP configuration:…
Consider the following EIGRP configuration:
router eigrp 100
metric weights 0 1 0 1 0 0
What does this configuration accomplish?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the misconception that the `metric weights` command changes the metric calculation from the default, when in fact the given values exactly match the default K values (1,0,1,0,0).
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
✓
It sets the EIGRP metric to use bandwidth and delay only, which is the default behavior.
The `metric weights` command in EIGRP allows you to modify the K values used in the composite metric calculation. The default K values are K1=1, K2=0, K3=1, K4=0, K5=0, which means only bandwidth (K1) and delay (K3) are used. The configuration `metric weights 0 1 0 1 0 0` explicitly sets K1=1, K2=0, K3=1, K4=0, K5=0, which matches the default behavior. Therefore, option A is correct.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
It sets the EIGRP metric to use bandwidth and delay only, which is the default behavior.
Why this is correct
The EIGRP metric weights command modifies the K values used in the composite metric calculation. By default, K1 and K3 are set to 1 while K2, K4, and K5 are set to 0, which means only bandwidth and delay are considered. This command explicitly configures those default values, so it does not alter the metric behavior from the standard EIGRP operation.
- ✗
It disables the use of bandwidth in the metric calculation.
Why it's wrong here
This interpretation is incorrect because the command sets K1 to 1, not 0. Bandwidth remains a key factor in the composite metric calculation through the formula 256*(K1*Bandwidth + K3*Delay). To truly disable bandwidth from the metric, K1 would need to be set to 0, which is not the case here.
- ✗
It enables the use of load and reliability in the metric calculation.
Why it's wrong here
Load and reliability are not enabled by this command because their associated K values remain at zero. The default K values are K1=1, K2=0, K3=1, K4=0, K5=0, and this command preserves them. Load corresponds to K2, and reliability corresponds to K4 or K5; with those set to 0, the metric calculation ignores link load and reliability, keeping the standard default behavior.
- ✗
It changes the metric to use only delay.
Why it's wrong here
If the metric were to use only delay, K1 would need to be 0 while K3 remained 1. However, this command sets both K1 and K3 to 1, so bandwidth and delay are combined in the metric. The composite metric therefore still includes bandwidth as half of its default calculation, contradicting the idea that delay is the sole factor.
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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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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