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 longest prefix match rule to select the most specific route for a given destination IP address.. 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 static route to 10.20.20.0/24 and also has a default route. Which route is used for traffic to 10.20.20.8?
The static route to 10.20.20.0/24
This is correct because the /24 route matches the destination more specifically than the default route.
The default route
Why wrong: This is wrong because a more specific route exists.
Both routes are used equally
Why wrong: This is wrong because the more specific route is preferred.
Neither route is valid
Why wrong: This is wrong because the static route clearly matches the destination.
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 static route to 10.20.20.0/24
The static route to 10.20.20.0/24 is used because it is more specific than the default route. In practical terms, the router always chooses the route that most precisely matches the destination before falling back to the default route. This question reinforces the idea that the default route is a route of last resort, not a preferred choice when a better match already exists.
Key principle: A router uses the longest prefix match rule to select the most specific route for a given destination IP address.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
The static route to 10.20.20.0/24
Why this is correct
This is correct because the /24 route matches the destination more specifically than the default route.
Related concept
A router uses the longest prefix match rule to select the most specific route for a given destination IP address.
The default route
Why it's wrong here
This is wrong because a more specific route exists.
When this WOULD be correct
In a different scenario where the router has no specific route to the 10.20.20.0/24 network and only has a default route configured, then traffic to 10.20.20.8 would be directed through the default route, making option B the correct answer.
Both routes are used equally
Why it's wrong here
This is wrong because the more specific route is preferred.
When this WOULD be correct
In a different scenario where the router has equal-cost multipath (ECMP) routing enabled and both the static route and default route are configured with the same administrative distance, a question could ask which route would be used for load balancing, making this option correct.
Neither route is valid
Why it's wrong here
This is wrong because the static route clearly matches the destination.
When this WOULD be correct
This option would be correct in a scenario where the router has no valid routes configured at all, meaning neither the static route nor the default route is operational due to misconfiguration or failure, leading to an inability to route any traffic.
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 /24 route matches the destination more specifically than the default route.
Why this is wrong here
The default route is used only when there are no more specific routes available. Since the static route to 10.20.20.0/24 is more specific and matches the destination IP 10.20.20.8, it will be used instead of the default route.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
In a different scenario where the router has no specific route to the 10.20.20.0/24 network and only has a default route configured, then traffic to 10.20.20.8 would be directed through the default route, making option B the correct answer.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might choose this option if they misunderstand the concept of route specificity, believing that the default route is always used for any unmatched traffic, rather than recognizing the priority of static routes.
Why this is wrong here
This option is wrong because static routes are preferred over default routes when both are available, and the traffic to 10.20.20.8 matches the static route to 10.20.20.0/24.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
In a different scenario where the router has equal-cost multipath (ECMP) routing enabled and both the static route and default route are configured with the same administrative distance, a question could ask which route would be used for load balancing, making this option correct.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might choose this option due to a misunderstanding of routing priorities, thinking that multiple routes can be used simultaneously without recognizing that static routes take precedence over default routes.
Why this is wrong here
This option is wrong because both the static route to 10.20.20.0/24 and the default route are valid, but the static route is preferred due to its more specific match for the destination IP 10.20.20.8.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
This option would be correct in a scenario where the router has no valid routes configured at all, meaning neither the static route nor the default route is operational due to misconfiguration or failure, leading to an inability to route any traffic.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may choose this option due to a misunderstanding of routing priorities, thinking that if a specific route is not functioning, then no routes can be valid, leading to confusion about the operational status of routes.
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 assuming the default route is used whenever it exists, ignoring the presence of more specific static routes. This misunderstanding leads to incorrect answers because routers always prefer the route with the longest matching prefix, not the default route unless no other matches exist.
Detailed technical explanation
In IP routing, routers use routing tables to determine the best path to forward packets toward their destination. Each route in the table has a destination network and a subnet mask, which defines the range of IP addresses covered. A static route is a manually configured route that specifies a particular destination network and the next-hop IP or exit interface. A default route, often represented as 0.0.0.0/0, acts as a catch-all route for any destination not explicitly listed in the routing table. When a router receives a packet, it searches for the most specific route that matches the destination IP address, prioritizing longer prefix matches over shorter ones. The router uses the longest prefix match rule to select the route that most precisely matches the destination IP address. In this case, the static route to 10.20.20.0/24 covers all IP addresses from 10.20.20.0 to 10.20.20.255, including 10.20.20.8. The default route covers all IP addresses but with a prefix length of zero, making it the least specific. Therefore, the router forwards traffic to 10.20.20.8 using the static route because it has a more specific subnet mask (/24) than the default route (/0). This behavior ensures efficient and accurate routing decisions. A common exam trap is assuming the default route is always used when multiple routes exist. Candidates may mistakenly select the default route because it is a known fallback path. However, the router always prefers the most specific route available. In practical networking, this prevents unnecessary use of the default route and ensures traffic is routed optimally. Understanding this routing decision process is critical for CCNA candidates to correctly interpret routing tables and troubleshoot routing issues effectively.
Key takeaway
A router uses the longest prefix match rule to select the most specific route for a given destination IP address.
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
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FAQ
IP Routing — This question tests IP Routing — A router uses the longest prefix match rule to select the most specific route for a given destination IP address..
The correct answer is: The static route to 10.20.20.0/24 — The static route to 10.20.20.0/24 is used because it is more specific than the default route. In practical terms, the router always chooses the route that most precisely matches the destination before falling back to the default route. This question reinforces the idea that the default route is a route of last resort, not a preferred choice when a better match already exists.
Review a router uses the longest prefix match rule to select the most specific route for a given destination IP address., then practise related 200-301 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
A router uses the longest prefix match rule to select the most specific route for a given destination IP address.
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Last reviewed: May 17, 2026
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