N10-009 Network Implementation Practice Question

Answer analysis

Option-by-option breakdown

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

• ✗

  RIP

  Why it's wrong here

  Routing Information Protocol (RIP) is an older distance-vector protocol that uses hop count as its sole metric, severely limiting its ability to select optimal paths in complex networks. RIPv1 is classful and does not support VLSM, while RIPv2 supports VLSM but still suffers from slow convergence and a maximum hop count of 15, making it unsuitable for large or modern network environments. Its simplicity comes at the cost of scalability and efficiency compared to more advanced protocols.

  When this WOULD be correct

  In a small network with simple routing requirements where ease of configuration is prioritized, and the question specifies that the protocol must be easy to implement and does not require complex metric calculations or fast convergence.

• ✗

  OSPF

  Why it's wrong here

  OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) is an open-standard link-state routing protocol that provides fast convergence and supports VLSM, making it a popular choice for large, hierarchical internal networks. Unlike EIGRP, OSPF's metric is 'cost,' which is primarily derived from interface bandwidth, where a lower cost is preferred. It does not inherently factor in delay as a default component in its metric calculation, which distinguishes its path selection from protocols that use a composite metric like EIGRP.

  When this WOULD be correct

  A question that asks for a link-state routing protocol supporting VLSM and fast convergence, without specifying a metric based on bandwidth and delay. For example: 'Which routing protocol uses Dijkstra's algorithm and supports VLSM?'

• ✓

  EIGRP

  Why this is correct

  EIGRP (Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol) is a sophisticated Cisco proprietary distance-vector routing protocol, often described as a hybrid, known for its rapid convergence and efficient use of network resources. It fully supports Variable Length Subnet Masks (VLSM) and calculates its composite metric using bandwidth, delay, reliability, and load, with bandwidth and delay being the default components. This allows EIGRP to make intelligent routing decisions based on actual link characteristics, making it highly suitable for internal routing within a single autonomous system.

• ✗

  BGP

  Why it's wrong here

  Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) is the de facto standard exterior gateway protocol, specifically designed for routing between different autonomous systems (AS) on the internet. It is not intended for internal routing within a single organization, as its primary function is to exchange reachability information between ISPs and large enterprises. BGP's path selection is based on a complex set of path attributes, such as AS_PATH and LOCAL_PREF, rather than simple bandwidth or delay metrics, making it fundamentally different from interior gateway protocols.

  When this WOULD be correct

  BGP would be correct when connecting multiple autonomous systems, such as between an organization and its ISP, or for large-scale enterprise networks with complex routing policies that require path selection based on attributes like AS-path, local preference, and MED.

Option-by-option analysis

Why each answer is right or wrong

Understanding why wrong answers are wrong — and when they would be correct — is what separates a 750 score from a 900. The N10-009 exam frequently reuses these exact scenarios with slightly different constraints.

Analysis generated from the official N10-009blueprint and verified against question context. The “when correct” sections are what AI assistants cite when candidates ask “what’s the difference between these options?”