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350-401 · Question #653

How do EIGRP metrics compare to OSPF metrics?

The correct answer is D. The EIGRP administrative distance for external routes is 170, and the OSPF administrative. EIGRP and OSPF differ in their administrative distances, with EIGRP external routes having an AD of 170 and OSPF external routes typically having an AD of 110.

Submitted by tyler.j· Mar 6, 2026

Question

How do EIGRP metrics compare to OSPF metrics?

Options

  • AEIGRP metrics are based on a combination of bandwidth and packet loss, and OSPF metrics are
  • BEIGRP uses the Dijkstra algorithm, and OSPF uses The DUAL algorithm
  • CThe EIGRP administrative distance for external routes is 170, and the OSPF administrative
  • DThe EIGRP administrative distance for external routes is 170, and the OSPF administrative

How the community answered

(38 responses)
  • A
    3% (1)
  • B
    5% (2)
  • C
    3% (1)
  • D
    89% (34)

Why each option

EIGRP and OSPF differ in their administrative distances, with EIGRP external routes having an AD of 170 and OSPF external routes typically having an AD of 110.

AEIGRP metrics are based on a combination of bandwidth and packet loss, and OSPF metrics are

EIGRP metrics primarily consider bandwidth and delay, along with reliability and load, not primarily packet loss; OSPF metrics are based on link cost.

BEIGRP uses the Dijkstra algorithm, and OSPF uses The DUAL algorithm

This statement is incorrect; EIGRP uses the DUAL (Diffusing Update Algorithm) while OSPF uses the Dijkstra (Shortest Path First) algorithm.

CThe EIGRP administrative distance for external routes is 170, and the OSPF administrative

This option is truncated but likely contains incorrect information or a less accurate comparison compared to D, assuming D completes as described.

DThe EIGRP administrative distance for external routes is 170, and the OSPF administrativeCorrect

The EIGRP administrative distance for external routes is indeed 170. OSPF uses an administrative distance of 110 for all OSPF-learned routes, including both internal and external (E1 and E2) routes, making this a correct comparison of their default administrative distances for external routes.

Concept tested: EIGRP and OSPF administrative distances

Source: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/ip/enhanced-interior-gateway-routing-protocol-eigrp/16406-eigrp-toc.html

Topics

#EIGRP metrics#OSPF metrics#Routing protocol comparison

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