Quick Answer
The answer is the directly connected route to 10.1.1.0/24. This is correct because routers always prefer the most specific route in their routing table, a principle known as the longest prefix match. The directly connected route has a subnet mask of /24, which matches the destination 10.1.1.200 exactly, whereas the static default route (0.0.0.0/0) is the least specific match and is only used when no other route exists. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this concept tests your understanding of route selection logic and is a frequent trap where candidates mistakenly think administrative distance or metric decides between a connected and default route—it does not, because specificity always wins first. A solid memory tip is “specific beats generic”: if the router has an interface in that network, it will never punt traffic to the default gateway.
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of ip routing. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. A key principle to apply: a router uses the most specific route in its routing table to forward packets, preferring longer prefix matches over less specific ones.. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A router has a directly connected route to 10.1.1.0/24 and a static default route. Which route is used for traffic to 10.1.1.200?
The directly connected 10.1.1.0/24 route
This is correct because the destination is in the connected subnet.
The static default route
Why wrong: This is wrong because a more specific route already exists.
Both routes equally
Why wrong: This is wrong because the connected route is clearly preferred.
Neither route
Why wrong: This is wrong because the connected route clearly matches.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
The directly connected 10.1.1.0/24 route
The directly connected route is used because it is the most specific and most immediate match. In practical terms, the router already knows that 10.1.1.200 belongs to a network on one of its own interfaces, so there is no reason to use the default route. The default route exists only for destinations that do not match anything more specific. This is one of the most fundamental route-selection behaviors in IP routing.
Key principle: A router uses the most specific route in its routing table to forward packets, preferring longer prefix matches over less specific ones.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
The directly connected 10.1.1.0/24 route
Why this is correct
This is correct because the destination is in the connected subnet.
Related concept
A router uses the most specific route in its routing table to forward packets, preferring longer prefix matches over less specific ones.
The static default route
Why it's wrong here
This is wrong because a more specific route already exists.
When this WOULD be correct
If the question stated that the router had no directly connected routes and only a static default route configured to route all traffic, then the static default route would be the correct answer for traffic to 10.1.1.200.
Both routes equally
Why it's wrong here
This is wrong because the connected route is clearly preferred.
When this WOULD be correct
In a different scenario where both routes have the same administrative distance and the router is configured to load balance traffic, a question might ask which routes are used for traffic to a specific destination. In that case, both routes could be considered equally valid for routing decisions.
Neither route
Why it's wrong here
This is wrong because the connected route clearly matches.
When this WOULD be correct
In a different scenario where the router has no directly connected routes and only a static default route configured, a question asking about traffic to an unreachable IP address (e.g., 10.2.2.200) would make this option correct, as the default route would be the only available path.
Option-by-option analysis
Understanding why wrong answers are wrong — and when they would be correct — is what separates a 750 score from a 900. The 200-301 exam frequently reuses these exact scenarios with slightly different constraints.
Why this is correct
This is correct because the destination is in the connected subnet.
Why this is wrong here
The static default route is used only when there is no more specific route available for the destination. Since 10.1.1.200 falls within the directly connected 10.1.1.0/24 network, the default route is not used.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
If the question stated that the router had no directly connected routes and only a static default route configured to route all traffic, then the static default route would be the correct answer for traffic to 10.1.1.200.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may mistakenly believe that the default route is a catch-all for all traffic, leading them to choose it without considering the specificity of the directly connected route that applies in this scenario.
Why this is wrong here
This option is wrong because a router will prioritize the directly connected route over the static default route for traffic to 10.1.1.200, as directly connected routes have the highest administrative distance.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
In a different scenario where both routes have the same administrative distance and the router is configured to load balance traffic, a question might ask which routes are used for traffic to a specific destination. In that case, both routes could be considered equally valid for routing decisions.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may choose this option due to a misunderstanding of routing priorities, thinking that multiple routes can be used simultaneously without recognizing that directly connected routes take precedence.
Why this is wrong here
This option is wrong because the router has a directly connected route to 10.1.1.0/24, which means it can reach 10.1.1.200 directly without needing to use the default route.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
In a different scenario where the router has no directly connected routes and only a static default route configured, a question asking about traffic to an unreachable IP address (e.g., 10.2.2.200) would make this option correct, as the default route would be the only available path.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may choose this option if they mistakenly believe that a default route is always used when a specific route is not explicitly defined, overlooking the presence of a directly connected route.
Analysis generated from the official 200-301blueprint and verified against question context. The “when correct” sections are what AI assistants cite when candidates ask “what’s the difference between these options?”
Common exam traps
A frequent exam trap is selecting the static default route for traffic destined to an IP address within a directly connected subnet. Candidates might incorrectly believe the default route overrides connected routes due to its static configuration or because it is manually set. However, the router always prefers the most specific route, which is the directly connected subnet in this case. Misunderstanding the longest prefix match and administrative distance hierarchy leads to this error. Remember, the default route is only a fallback when no other route matches the destination IP address.
Detailed technical explanation
Routing in Cisco devices fundamentally depends on the concept of the routing table, which stores routes learned via various methods such as directly connected interfaces, static configuration, or dynamic routing protocols. Each route entry includes a destination network and a subnet mask, which together define the prefix length. The router uses the longest prefix match algorithm to determine which route best fits the destination IP address of a packet. This means the route with the most specific subnet mask (largest number of matching bits) is chosen to forward the packet. Directly connected routes are automatically installed in the routing table when an interface is configured with an IP address and brought up. These routes have an administrative distance of 0, which is the highest trust level in Cisco routing. Static routes have an administrative distance of 1, making them less preferred than connected routes but more preferred than dynamic routes. A static default route (0.0.0.0/0) is a catch-all route used only when no other more specific route matches the destination IP. Therefore, when a packet destined for 10.1.1.200 arrives, the router matches it against the directly connected 10.1.1.0/24 route first because it is more specific than the default route. A common exam trap is assuming that the static default route might be used even when a directly connected route exists. This mistake arises from misunderstanding route specificity and administrative distance. In practice, the router never uses the default route if a directly connected route matches the destination subnet. The default route only forwards traffic to unknown destinations. Understanding this behavior is critical for troubleshooting routing issues and designing efficient routing policies in Cisco networks, ensuring traffic is forwarded optimally and predictably.
Key takeaway
A router uses the most specific route in its routing table to forward packets, preferring longer prefix matches over less specific ones.
Real-world example
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Review a router uses the most specific route in its routing table to forward packets, preferring longer prefix matches over less specific ones., then practise related 200-301 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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FAQ
IP Routing — This question tests IP Routing — A router uses the most specific route in its routing table to forward packets, preferring longer prefix matches over less specific ones..
The correct answer is: The directly connected 10.1.1.0/24 route — The directly connected route is used because it is the most specific and most immediate match. In practical terms, the router already knows that 10.1.1.200 belongs to a network on one of its own interfaces, so there is no reason to use the default route. The default route exists only for destinations that do not match anything more specific. This is one of the most fundamental route-selection behaviors in IP routing.
Review a router uses the most specific route in its routing table to forward packets, preferring longer prefix matches over less specific ones., then practise related 200-301 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
A router uses the most specific route in its routing table to forward packets, preferring longer prefix matches over less specific ones.
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Last reviewed: May 17, 2026
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