An enterprise router R1 learns an internal EIGRP route to the destination network with an Administrative Distance of 90. A network administrator attempts to configure a floating static backup route for this target subnet via next-hop address by issuing the command `ip route 10.50.40.0 255.255.255.0 192.168.12.2 85`. Which statement accurately describes the operational impact of this configuration on router R1?
- The static route immediately replaces the primary EIGRP route in the active routing table because its configured Administrative Distance of 85 is lower than EIGRP's Administrative Distance of 90.Answer
- BThe static route remains inactive in the RIB as a floating backup and is installed into the routing table only if the primary EIGRP route is withdrawn.
- CRouter R1 load-balances traffic across both the EIGRP path and the static path because static routes take metric precedence over dynamic routing protocols.
- DThe IOS CLI rejects the command because Administrative Distance values between 1 and 89 are reserved exclusively for connected interfaces and system processes.
Answer
The static route pre-empts the primary EIGRP route and becomes the primary active route in the routing table because its configured Administrative Distance of 85 is lower than internal EIGRP's Administrative Distance of 90.
In Cisco IOS routing, when multiple routing sources provide a path to the exact same prefix, the router installs the route with the lowest Administrative Distance (AD). Internal EIGRP has a default AD of 90. By setting the static route's AD to 85, the static route is considered more trustworthy than EIGRP and immediately pre-empts the EIGRP route in the routing table.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Floating Static Route Administrative Distance Selection