- A
The redistributed metric values are too high, causing EIGRP to calculate a high composite metric, making these routes less preferred than other paths.
EIGRP uses a composite metric based on bandwidth and delay. A high bandwidth value (10000 kbps) results in a high metric, making the route less attractive.
- B
OSPF is using a different metric type (E1 vs E2) that affects path selection.
Why wrong: While metric type matters, the issue is with the redistributed metric values, not the type.
- C
R1 has a route-map that modifies the metric during redistribution, but it is not applied.
Why wrong: No route-map is mentioned in the configuration.
- D
The redistribution is one-way; OSPF routes are not being redistributed back into EIGRP, causing asymmetry.
Why wrong: The issue is about suboptimal paths, not asymmetry.
EIGRP Redistribution Metric Impact
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of eigrp troubleshooting. 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.
A network redistributes EIGRP into OSPF. Router R1 is a redistribution point with configuration: router eigrp 100 redistribute ospf 1 metric 10000 100 255 1 1500. Router R2, an OSPF router, shows: 'show ip route ospf' includes some EIGRP routes but with higher cost than expected. Traffic from R2 to those networks takes suboptimal paths. What is the root cause?
Quick Answer
The answer is that the redistributed metric values are too high, causing EIGRP to calculate an inflated composite metric that makes these routes less preferred than other paths. This occurs because when redistributing OSPF into EIGRP, the metric must be manually specified using the five K-values: bandwidth, delay, reliability, load, and MTU. In the configuration shown, the bandwidth value of 10000 (kbps) and delay of 100 (tens of microseconds) are excessively large, leading EIGRP to compute a high composite metric, which in turn makes the redistributed routes appear less attractive compared to existing EIGRP routes or other redistributed paths. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of redistribution metric semantics and how mismatched metric components directly impact route selection and traffic flow. A common trap is assuming any metric will work, but EIGRP’s metric formula is sensitive to each component. Remember the memory tip: “Big bandwidth, big delay, big problem”—always match redistributed metrics to the receiving protocol’s scale to avoid suboptimal routing.
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 redistributed metric values are too high, causing EIGRP to calculate a high composite metric, making these routes less preferred than other paths.
The configuration 'redistribute ospf 1 metric 10000 100 255 1 1500' under router eigrp 100 redistributes OSPF routes into EIGRP, not EIGRP into OSPF. The metric values (bandwidth 10000 kbps, delay 100) produce a high composite metric, making these EIGRP routes less preferred compared to other EIGRP-learned paths. This causes R2, an OSPF router, to see the redistributed routes with higher cost (if the EIGRP routes are further redistributed into OSPF) or to experience suboptimal path selection due to the elevated metric.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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 redistributed metric values are too high, causing EIGRP to calculate a high composite metric, making these routes less preferred than other paths.
- ✗
OSPF is using a different metric type (E1 vs E2) that affects path selection.
Why it's wrong here
While metric type matters, the issue is with the redistributed metric values, not the type.
- ✗
R1 has a route-map that modifies the metric during redistribution, but it is not applied.
Why it's wrong here
No route-map is mentioned in the configuration.
- ✗
The redistribution is one-way; OSPF routes are not being redistributed back into EIGRP, causing asymmetry.
Why it's wrong here
The issue is about suboptimal paths, not asymmetry.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that redistribution metrics only affect the receiving protocol's cost, when in fact the metric values directly influence the EIGRP composite metric calculation, making routes less preferred within EIGRP itself.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
EIGRP uses a composite metric formula: metric = [K1 * bandwidth + (K2 * bandwidth)/(256 - load) + K3 * delay] * K5/(reliability + K4), with default K values (K1=1, K3=1, others=0). The delay value is in tens of microseconds; a delay of 100 (1000 microseconds) is extremely high, inflating the metric. In real-world scenarios, misconfigured redistribution metrics often cause suboptimal routing, especially when redistributing between dissimilar protocols like EIGRP and OSPF.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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.
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.
What to study next
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 300-410 question test?
EIGRP Troubleshooting — This question tests EIGRP Troubleshooting — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The redistributed metric values are too high, causing EIGRP to calculate a high composite metric, making these routes less preferred than other paths. — The configuration 'redistribute ospf 1 metric 10000 100 255 1 1500' under router eigrp 100 redistributes OSPF routes into EIGRP, not EIGRP into OSPF. The metric values (bandwidth 10000 kbps, delay 100) produce a high composite metric, making these EIGRP routes less preferred compared to other EIGRP-learned paths. This causes R2, an OSPF router, to see the redistributed routes with higher cost (if the EIGRP routes are further redistributed into OSPF) or to experience suboptimal path selection due to the elevated metric.
What should I do if I get this 300-410 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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