What function does the Reply Status in the EIGRP topology table serve?

The Reply Status in the EIGRP topology table specifically serves to track the status of sent query packets to neighbors. This is crucial for EIGRP's operation as it establishes the communication necessary for route discovery and maintenance. When a router sends a query to its neighbors to determine the best path for a route, the Reply Status records whether responses to that query have been received.

This mechanism ensures that the router can effectively manage and optimize its route information, allowing for the appropriate action to be taken if responses are missing or delayed. By monitoring the status of these queries, EIGRP can maintain accurate routing information and ensure that any potential changes in the network topology are accounted for promptly.

Thus, the Reply Status directly contributes to the robustness of EIGRP's functionality in maintaining and querying routing information within the network.