20+ practice questions focused on Policy-Based Routing (PBR) — one of the most tested topics on the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation so you learn why the right answer is correct.
Start Policy-Based Routing (PBR) PracticeA network engineer is troubleshooting a PBR configuration on a Cisco router. The engineer has configured a route map named 'PBR-MAP' with a match statement matching traffic from source IP 10.1.1.0/24 and a set statement to forward the traffic to next-hop 192.168.1.2. The engineer applies the route map to the incoming interface GigabitEthernet0/0 using 'ip policy route-map PBR-MAP'. However, traffic from 10.1.1.0/24 is still being forwarded using the routing table instead of the PBR next-hop. What is the most likely cause?
Explanation: The 'ip policy route-map' command must be applied to the incoming interface where the traffic is received. If it is applied to the outgoing interface, PBR will not function. The symptom indicates the route map is not being evaluated, which typically occurs when the policy is applied to the wrong interface or not applied at all.
A network engineer is troubleshooting PBR on a Cisco router where traffic from VLAN 100 (192.168.10.0/24) should be forwarded to next-hop 10.10.10.2 via a route map named 'VLAN100-PBR'. The engineer has applied the route map to interface GigabitEthernet0/0.100 (subinterface) using 'ip policy route-map VLAN100-PBR'. The engineer verifies that the route map is correctly configured with 'match ip address 100' and 'set ip next-hop 10.10.10.2', and the access list 100 matches the source subnet. However, traffic from VLAN 100 is still forwarded using the routing table. What is the most likely cause?
Explanation: PBR applied to a subinterface will only process traffic that arrives on that specific subinterface. If the traffic is arriving on the physical interface or another subinterface, it will not be matched. The engineer must ensure the traffic actually enters the subinterface where the policy is applied.
A network engineer is troubleshooting PBR on a Cisco router where traffic from source 10.1.2.0/24 should be forwarded to next-hop 192.168.1.2. The route map 'PBR-TEST' is configured with 'match ip address 101' and 'set ip next-hop 192.168.1.2'. The engineer applies the route map to interface GigabitEthernet0/0. The engineer notices that PBR works for most traffic, but traffic from a specific host (10.1.2.100) is not being policy-routed. The engineer checks the ACL 101 and confirms it includes 10.1.2.0/24. What is the most likely cause?
Explanation: If PBR is working for most traffic but not for a specific host, it could be due to the route map being applied to a subinterface while the host traffic arrives on a different subinterface, or the host traffic is being fast-switched and bypassing PBR. However, a common cause is that the host's traffic is being processed by CEF and the 'ip policy route-map' command does not affect CEF-switched packets unless 'ip route-cache policy' is enabled. In modern IOS, PBR by default only applies to process-switched packets unless 'ip route-cache policy' is configured.
A network engineer is troubleshooting PBR on a Cisco router where traffic from subnet 172.16.1.0/24 should be forwarded to next-hop 10.10.10.2. The route map 'PBR-172' is applied to interface GigabitEthernet0/0. The engineer notices that the PBR policy is not working at all. The engineer checks the route map configuration and sees 'match ip address 110' and 'set ip next-hop 10.10.10.2'. The engineer also checks the ACL 110 and confirms it matches 172.16.1.0/24. The engineer then checks the interface configuration and sees 'ip policy route-map PBR-172' applied. What should the engineer do next to isolate the issue?
Explanation: The engineer should verify that the next-hop 10.10.10.2 is reachable via a directly connected interface or a static route. PBR will not forward traffic to a next-hop that is not in the routing table or not directly connected, and will fall back to the routing table. The engineer can use 'show ip route 10.10.10.2' to check reachability.
A network engineer is troubleshooting PBR on a Cisco router where traffic from subnet 192.168.20.0/24 should be forwarded to next-hop 10.20.20.2. The route map 'PBR-20' is configured with 'match ip address 120' and 'set ip next-hop 10.20.20.2'. The engineer applies the route map to interface GigabitEthernet0/0. The engineer notices that PBR works for traffic from 192.168.20.0/24, but traffic from other subnets is also being forwarded to 10.20.20.2. What is the most likely cause?
Explanation: If PBR is affecting traffic from other subnets, it is likely because the route map has a permit statement without a match condition, or the ACL is misconfigured to match all traffic. The engineer should check the route map for a permit statement that matches all traffic (e.g., 'match ip address any' or missing match).
+15 more Policy-Based Routing (PBR) questions available
Practice all Policy-Based Routing (PBR) questions1. Baseline your knowledge
Start with 10 questions to gauge your current understanding of Policy-Based Routing (PBR). This tells you whether you need a concept refresher or just practice.
2. Review every explanation
For each question — right or wrong — read the full explanation. Understanding why an answer is correct is more valuable than knowing the answer itself.
3. Focus on exam traps
Policy-Based Routing (PBR) questions on the 300-410 frequently use trap wording. Look for subtle differences in answers that test your precision, not just general knowledge.
4. Reach 80% consistently
Do repeated sessions until you score 80%+ three times in a row. Then move to mixed-mode practice to test cross-topic recall under realistic conditions.
The exact number varies per candidate. Policy-Based Routing (PBR) is tested as part of the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 blueprint. Practicing with targeted Policy-Based Routing (PBR) questions ensures you can handle any format or difficulty that appears.
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Difficulty is subjective, but Policy-Based Routing (PBR) is a high-priority exam concept tested in multiple ways — direct recall, scenario analysis, and command-output interpretation. Consistent practice is the best way to build confidence.
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