What Does Floating Static Route Mean in 200-301?
Also known as: backup static route
Quick Definition
A backup static route with a higher AD than the primary dynamic route, installed only if the primary fails.
Full Definition
A floating static route is a static route configured with a manually increased Administrative Distance (higher than the primary routing protocol). In normal operation, the dynamic route has a lower AD and the floating static sits inactive in the configuration. If the dynamic route disappears (link failure, protocol issue), the static route 'floats' into the routing table as a backup. This provides a simple failover mechanism without complex routing protocol configuration.
CLI Command
ip route 192.168.2.0 255.255.255.0 10.0.0.3 200 ! AD of 200 — higher than OSPF (110)
Exam Trap — Don't Get Fooled
The floating static route must have an AD higher than the primary routing protocol. If OSPF (AD 110) is the primary, the floating static should have AD > 110, e.g., 200. If the static has AD 1 (default), it would always win over OSPF.
Related 200-301 Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Floating Static Route mean on the 200-301 exam?
A floating static route is a static route configured with a manually increased Administrative Distance (higher than the primary routing protocol). In normal operation, the dynamic route has a lower AD and the floating static sits inactive in the configuration. If the dynamic route disappears (link failure, protocol issue), the static route 'floats' into the routing table as a backup. This provides a simple failover mechanism without complex routing protocol configuration.
How does Floating Static Route appear as a trap on the 200-301?
The floating static route must have an AD higher than the primary routing protocol. If OSPF (AD 110) is the primary, the floating static should have AD > 110, e.g., 200. If the static has AD 1 (default), it would always win over OSPF.
How important is Floating Static Route on the 200-301 exam?
Floating Static Route falls under the Routing domain of the 200-301 exam. Understanding it in context with related terms like static-route and administrative-distance is essential for answering scenario-based questions correctly.