What minimum value of path metrics does EIGRP utilize for its route decisions?

In EIGRP (Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol), the minimum value of the path metric utilized for route decisions is 0. This metric is derived from various components, including bandwidth, delay, load, reliability, and MTU (Maximum Transmission Unit). When calculating the effective metric for a route, if all these parameters result in no cost or no penalties (like an immediate or direct connection), the path metric can be considered to be 0.

By understanding this minimum threshold, network engineers can appreciate that if a route’s path metric is at a minimum of 0, it can still be a viable option for route selection. This metric system allows EIGRP to make efficient routing decisions, favoring paths with lower metrics for optimal performance. Therefore, recognizing that the minimum value is set at 0 is crucial for understanding how EIGRP evaluates its routes effectively.