How can you modify the number of paths over which RIP will perform Equal-Cost Multi-Path (ECMP) load-balancing?

The correct answer focuses on the command used within Cisco routers to configure the maximum number of equal-cost paths for load balancing in Routing Information Protocol (RIP). The command "maximum-paths number" allows you to specify how many equal-cost routes the router can use for load balancing.

RIP inherently supports ECMP, enabling the distribution of outgoing traffic across multiple equal-cost routes to the same destination. By using the "maximum-paths" command, you can enhance the efficiency of routing by permitting the router to utilize more than one route for sending packets, thus optimizing bandwidth usage and improving performance.

The other choices do not correspond to valid commands in Cisco IOS for configuring ECMP in RIP. The command syntax needs to be precise, and only "maximum-paths" is recognized for this function, highlighting the importance of familiarity with Cisco command-line interface conventions in network management.