Learn which OSPF route is installed in the routing table when two identical routes have different costs for the CCNA 200-301 exam. Understand why OSPF always prefers the route with the lowest cost metric to ensure optimal path selection.
Table of Contents
Question
A router in a network is receiving two identical OSPF routes with different cost values. Which route will be installed in the routing table?
A. The route with the highest cost
B. The route with the lowest cost
C. Both routes will be installed
D. The route from the router with the lowest IP address
E. The route from the router with the highest OSPF priority
Answer
B. The route with the lowest cost
Explanation
OSPF prefers the route with the lowest cost (metric). If multiple paths exist with equal cost, OSPF performs equal-cost load balancing.
When a router receives two identical OSPF routes to the same destination but with different cost values, the route with the lowest cost (metric) will be installed in the routing table. OSPF uses the cost metric, derived from interface bandwidth, to determine the most efficient path. The route with the smallest total cost is considered the best and is selected for forwarding traffic. If multiple routes have the same lowest cost, OSPF can install them all for equal-cost load balancing, but if the costs differ, only the lowest-cost route is used.
Cisco Certified Network Associate CCNA 200-301 certification exam practice question and answer (Q&A) dump with detail explanation and reference available free, helpful to pass the Cisco Certified Network Associate CCNA 200-301 exam and earn Cisco Certified Network Associate CCNA 200-301 certification.