- A
metric = bandwidth + delay
Correct. Default K values make the metric simply bandwidth (scaled) plus delay (scaled).
- B
metric = bandwidth * delay
Why wrong: Incorrect. The metric is additive, not multiplicative.
- C
metric = bandwidth + delay + reliability
Why wrong: Incorrect. Reliability is not used by default (K4=0).
- D
metric = bandwidth + delay + load
Why wrong: Incorrect. Load is not used by default (K2=0).
Question 1,346 of 2,152
300-410 EIGRP Troubleshooting Practice Question
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 correct formula for EIGRP composite metric calculation using default K values?
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
✓
metric = bandwidth + delay
With default K values (K1=1, K2=0, K3=1, K4=0, K5=0), the EIGRP composite metric simplifies to metric = bandwidth + delay, where bandwidth is calculated as (10^7 / minimum path bandwidth in kbps) * 256 and delay is the sum of interface delays in tens of microseconds multiplied by 256. This formula is used to select the best loop-free path to a destination.
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.
- ✓
metric = bandwidth + delay
Why this is correct
Correct. Default K values make the metric simply bandwidth (scaled) plus delay (scaled).
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
metric = bandwidth * delay
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. The metric is additive, not multiplicative.
- ✗
metric = bandwidth + delay + reliability
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Reliability is not used by default (K4=0).
- ✗
metric = bandwidth + delay + load
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Load is not used by default (K2=0).
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that EIGRP uses a product of bandwidth and delay (like OSPF cost) or that reliability and load are included by default, when in fact they are only considered if non-default K values are configured.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The EIGRP composite metric formula is: metric = [K1 * bandwidth + (K2 * bandwidth) / (256 - load) + K3 * delay] * [K5 / (reliability + K4)] * 256. With default K values, K2, K4, and K5 are zero, causing the reliability and load terms to drop out, and the multiplier becomes 1, leaving only bandwidth + delay. The bandwidth component uses the minimum bandwidth along the path, while delay uses the cumulative sum of interface delays, both scaled by 256 to provide finer granularity.
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 practitioner preparing for the 300-410 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
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: metric = bandwidth + delay — With default K values (K1=1, K2=0, K3=1, K4=0, K5=0), the EIGRP composite metric simplifies to metric = bandwidth + delay, where bandwidth is calculated as (10^7 / minimum path bandwidth in kbps) * 256 and delay is the sum of interface delays in tens of microseconds multiplied by 256. This formula is used to select the best loop-free path to a destination.
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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