- A
NBMA
Why wrong: Incorrect. NBMA is the default for multipoint interfaces, not point-to-point subinterfaces.
- B
Point-to-point
Correct. Point-to-point subinterfaces default to point-to-point network type.
- C
Broadcast
Why wrong: Incorrect. Broadcast is used on Ethernet or when manually configured.
- D
Point-to-multipoint
Why wrong: Incorrect. This is not a default EIGRP network type for point-to-point subinterfaces.
Question 487 of 2,152
EIGRP Network Type on Frame Relay Point-to-Point: Default Behavior
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of eigrp troubleshooting. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
Which of the following is the default EIGRP network type on a Frame Relay point-to-point subinterface?
Quick Answer
The answer is point-to-point. This is the default EIGRP network type on a Frame Relay point-to-point subinterface because EIGRP automatically detects the underlying interface type; when a subinterface is configured as point-to-point, EIGRP sets its network type to point-to-point, which uses 5-second hello timers and eliminates the need for a DR/BDR election. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how EIGRP adapts to different Layer 2 topologies, often appearing in questions that contrast multipoint interfaces—where the default is non-broadcast and requires neighbor statements—with point-to-point subinterfaces. A common trap is assuming all Frame Relay interfaces default to non-broadcast, but point-to-point subinterfaces bypass this. Memory tip: think “P2P = no DR, fast hellos”—point-to-point subinterfaces keep it simple with 5-second hellos and no election overhead.
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
✓
Point-to-point
On a Frame Relay point-to-point subinterface, the default EIGRP network type is point-to-point. This is because each point-to-point subinterface creates a separate logical connection to a single remote router, eliminating the need for NBMA-specific mechanisms like split horizon or next-hop-self adjustments. The point-to-point network type enables EIGRP to use multicast hello packets (224.0.0.10) and form a single adjacency over the link.
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.
- ✗
NBMA
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. NBMA is the default for multipoint interfaces, not point-to-point subinterfaces.
- ✓
Point-to-point
Why this is correct
Correct. Point-to-point subinterfaces default to point-to-point network type.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Broadcast
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Broadcast is used on Ethernet or when manually configured.
- ✗
Point-to-multipoint
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. This is not a default EIGRP network type for point-to-point subinterfaces.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that Frame Relay always defaults to NBMA, but candidates must remember that point-to-point subinterfaces override this default to point-to-point, while only physical interfaces or multipoint subinterfaces retain the NBMA default.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
When EIGRP operates over a point-to-point subinterface, it automatically uses the point-to-point network type, which sets the hello timer to 5 seconds and the hold timer to 15 seconds (matching the default for point-to-point links). This contrasts with the NBMA network type, which uses a 60-second hello timer to avoid flooding on slower Frame Relay links. In real-world scenarios, misconfiguring the network type on a point-to-point subinterface can cause adjacency failures or suboptimal convergence, especially when mixing with multipoint interfaces.
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.
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: Point-to-point — On a Frame Relay point-to-point subinterface, the default EIGRP network type is point-to-point. This is because each point-to-point subinterface creates a separate logical connection to a single remote router, eliminating the need for NBMA-specific mechanisms like split horizon or next-hop-self adjustments. The point-to-point network type enables EIGRP to use multicast hello packets (224.0.0.10) and form a single adjacency over the link.
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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