In EIGRP, what does the 'A' stand for in the topology table?

In EIGRP (Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol), the 'A' in the topology table stands for 'Active.' This designation indicates that a route is currently in the process of being repaired or rebuilt. When a route is marked as Active, it means that EIGRP is actively seeking alternate paths due to a failure or a change in the network topology.

When a route is Active, EIGRP sends out queries to other routers to find a feasible successor or backup route. This is a crucial aspect of EIGRP's functionality, as it allows for rapid convergence and ensures that data can be rerouted efficiently to maintain network stability. The Active state is temporary, and once a new route is found or confirmed to be valid, the route will transition back to a Passive state, where it remains in the topology table without actively seeking a new path.

In contrast to the Active state, other options such as Available or Acknowledged do not accurately represent the status of routes in the EIGRP topology table and do not convey the operational meaning applicable in the context of route handling and topology changes within the protocol. Assigned, while it may hint at a state of some sort, similarly does not reflect the specific mechanics of how EIGRP manages routing