- A
The path with higher FD is not feasible; EIGRP always selects the lowest FD.
Correct. EIGRP always selects the path with the lowest feasible distance as the successor. The higher FD path is not feasible as a successor because it has a higher metric. The show ip route output confirms the lower FD path is installed.
- B
An offset-list is applied to the lower FD path, increasing its metric.
Why wrong: Incorrect. There is no evidence of an offset-list. If one were applied to increase the lower FD path's metric, the higher FD path might become the successor, but the routing table shows the lower metric path is still used.
- C
The route is in active state, causing EIGRP to use a backup path.
Why wrong: Incorrect. The topology entry shows the state is Passive, not Active. An active state would indicate query propagation, not the use of a backup path.
- D
R1 has a distribute-list blocking the lower FD path.
Why wrong: Incorrect. While a distribute-list could filter routes, there is no output showing filtering. The shown routes are both in the topology table, and the lower FD route is installed in the routing table.
Troubleshooting EIGRP Successor Selection
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of network logging and syslog. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. A key principle to apply: eIGRP Successor. 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.
EIGRP network with routers R1, R2, R3. R1 has:
router eigrp 100 network 10.0.0.0
R2 has:
router eigrp 100 network 10.0.0.0
R3 has:
router eigrp 100 network 10.0.0.0
R1 shows:
R1# show ip eigrp topology 10.1.1.0/24
EIGRP-IPv4 Topology Entry for 10.1.1.0/24 State is Passive, Query origin flag is 1, 1 Successor(s), FD is 128256 Routing Descriptor Blocks:
10.2.1.2 (Serial0/0/0), from 10.2.1.2, Send flag is 0x0
Composite metric is (128256/156160), Route is Internal
10.3.1.3 (Serial0/0/1), from 10.3.1.3, Send flag is 0x0
Composite metric is (156160/128256), Route is Internal
R1# show ip route 10.1.1.0
Routing entry for 10.1.1.0/24 Known via "eigrp 100", distance 90, metric 128256 Last update from 10.2.1.2 on Serial0/0/0 R1 is using the path with higher feasible distance as successor. What is the root cause?
Quick Answer
The answer is that EIGRP always selects the successor based on the lowest feasible distance, so the path with the higher FD cannot be the successor. The root cause of the confusion in this scenario is that the lower FD path (128256) is indeed the installed successor, as confirmed by the show ip route output; the question’s premise that R1 is using the higher FD path is incorrect based on the provided topology table. This tests your understanding of the EIGRP Diffusing Update Algorithm (DUAL) and successor selection logic, a core topic for the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam where candidates must interpret show ip eigrp topology output to identify the feasible successor and avoid misreading composite metrics. A common trap is assuming the higher FD path is active when it is merely a feasible successor, not the successor. Remember: the successor always has the lowest FD, and the route table reflects only that path.
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 path with higher FD is not feasible; EIGRP always selects the lowest FD.
The show ip route output clearly shows that R1 is using the path with metric 128256 (lower FD) as the successor, not the higher FD path (156160). The premise of the question is false. Option A correctly explains that the path with higher FD is not feasible as a successor because EIGRP always selects the path with the lowest feasible distance. The root cause is a misinterpretation of the show commands; the observer mistakenly thought the higher FD path was used.
Key principle: EIGRP Successor
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 path with higher FD is not feasible; EIGRP always selects the lowest FD.
- ✗
An offset-list is applied to the lower FD path, increasing its metric.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. There is no evidence of an offset-list. If one were applied to increase the lower FD path's metric, the higher FD path might become the successor, but the routing table shows the lower metric path is still used.
- ✗
The route is in active state, causing EIGRP to use a backup path.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. The topology entry shows the state is Passive, not Active. An active state would indicate query propagation, not the use of a backup path.
- ✗
R1 has a distribute-list blocking the lower FD path.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. While a distribute-list could filter routes, there is no output showing filtering. The shown routes are both in the topology table, and the lower FD route is installed in the routing table.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Candidates may misread the show ip eigrp topology output and assume the path with higher metric is used, but the routing table shows the actual installed route. Always verify with show ip route.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Incorrect. There is no evidence of an offset-list. If one were applied to increase the lower FD path's metric, the higher FD path might become the successor, but the routing table shows the lower metric path is still used.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Treat this as a scenario question. Identify the problem, the constraint, and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- EIGRP Successor
- Feasible Distance (FD)
- Misinterpretation of show commands
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
EIGRP Successor
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. EIGRP Successor 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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review eIGRP Successor, then practise related 300-410 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 300-410 question test?
Network Logging and Syslog — This question tests Network Logging and Syslog — EIGRP Successor.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The path with higher FD is not feasible; EIGRP always selects the lowest FD. — The show ip route output clearly shows that R1 is using the path with metric 128256 (lower FD) as the successor, not the higher FD path (156160). The premise of the question is false. Option A correctly explains that the path with higher FD is not feasible as a successor because EIGRP always selects the path with the lowest feasible distance. The root cause is a misinterpretation of the show commands; the observer mistakenly thought the higher FD path was used.
What should I do if I get this 300-410 question wrong?
Review eIGRP Successor, then practise related 300-410 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
EIGRP Successor
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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