CCNA IP Routing Practice Question
A network engineer is troubleshooting a router that is not forwarding traffic to a remote network. The router has a static route configured for that network, but the next-hop address is not directly connected and is not reachable via any other route. What is the most likely cause of the problem?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is assuming that a configured static route is automatically active; it must have a reachable next-hop to be installed.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The static route is not installed in the routing table because the next-hop is unreachable.
A static route with a next-hop address requires that the next-hop be reachable through a directly connected network or another route. If it is not reachable, the route is not installed in the routing table, and traffic is not forwarded. The other options are less likely because administrative distance, mask type, and IP routing are not the primary causes of this specific symptom.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The static route is configured with a wildcard mask instead of a subnet mask.
Why it's wrong here
While using a wildcard mask is incorrect syntax, the scenario states that the static route is configured. If it were configured with a wildcard mask, the command would likely be rejected or produce an error. The symptom described is that traffic is not forwarded, which points to next-hop reachability rather than mask type.
- ✗
The static route has an administrative distance that is too low.
Why it's wrong here
A low administrative distance makes a route more preferred, not less. If the administrative distance were too high, the route might not be selected over other routes, but that is not the issue here. The problem is reachability of the next-hop, not administrative distance.
- ✗
The router needs to have IP routing enabled to use static routes.
Why it's wrong here
IP routing is enabled by default on Cisco routers. If it were disabled, no routing would occur, but the scenario implies other routing might be functioning. The more specific issue is that the next-hop is unreachable. Enabling IP routing is not the solution here.
- ✓
The static route is not installed in the routing table because the next-hop is unreachable.
Why this is correct
For a static route with a next-hop address to be installed, the router must be able to resolve the next-hop via a directly connected network or another route. If the next-hop is unreachable, the route is not installed, and traffic is not forwarded. This is the most likely cause.
Visual reference
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Related to this question
Learn chapter
IOS Logging — Local and Remote
Key term
Routing table
A routing table is a data set stored in a router or host that contains information about network paths and is used to determine where to forward data packets.
Key term
Router
A router is a networking device that connects different networks together and directs data traffic between them by choosing the best path for data to travel.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Cisco exam blueprint
This 200-301 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 200-301 exam.