Explaining the EIGRP Metric Calculation

The Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP) metric is used by routers to determine the best path to a destination network. The EIGRP metric includes several factors, with bandwidth and delay being the primary components.

Calculating the EIGRP Metric

The formula to calculate the EIGRP metric is: Metric = 256*((K1*bandwidth + (K2*bandwidth)/(256-load) + K3*delay)*(K5/(reliability + K4)))

• Bandwidth: The actual bandwidth of the link is a significant factor in determining the EIGRP metric. Higher bandwidth links are preferred by EIGRP.
• Delay: The cumulative delay along the path influences the EIGRP metric. Lower delays are favored in EIGRP calculations.
• Load: Network load is also considered in the metric calculation. Higher loads result in a lower EIGRP metric.
• Reliability: The reliability of the link impacts the EIGRP metric. More reliable links are given higher preference.

By incorporating these factors, the EIGRP metric is calculated dynamically and helps routers determine the optimal path for routing packets.